Savusavu Health Crisis: X-Ray Machine Out of Service for Months

Avikash Pillay, the president of the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, has expressed his concern regarding the prolonged dysfunction of the X-ray machine at the Savusavu sub-divisional hospital. Pillay indicated that the health department has not taken any action for over two months, with the machine being out of order since October and only semi-functional since July.

Locals, including patient Ilisapeci Bola, have voiced frustration, noting the inconvenience of needing to travel to Zens Medical Centre for X-ray services when the Savusavu hospital is supposed to be equipped to handle such needs. This hospital is essential for the residents of Cakaudrove, including those from the Prime Minister’s village.

Local entrepreneur Aren Nunnink identified that the machine requires a software update and has offered to cover repair costs with help from a local engineer who could resolve the issue swiftly. Nunnink highlighted the urgency of having such medical equipment operational, especially in case of emergencies, mentioning the potential dire consequences if urgent care is needed outside regular hours.

Despite reaching out to the Ministry of Health, including an email to Dr. Jemesa Tudravu on December 30, there has been no response. This issue persists even amid significant budget allocations in the 2024-2025 National Budget, which includes funds for improvements at healthcare facilities across the board.

In a hopeful twist, the proactive stance shown by local business leaders like Nunnink and Pillay indicates a strong community commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. Their readiness to assist demonstrates a potential collaborative effort that could lead to quicker resolutions in such essential services.

This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining reliable healthcare facilities for the community and the necessity for prompt governmental response to ensure that all residents have access to critical medical services, which are especially vital in emergency situations.