The president of the Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Avikash Pillay, has expressed hope that the Ministry of Health will address the issue of a broken X-ray machine at the Savusavu sub-divisional hospital. Pillay pointed out that the machine has been non-functional for over two months, after previously being only partially operational since July.
Patients have had to seek x-ray services at Zens Medical Centre, as the hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment is currently unusable. Local resident Ilisapeci Bola highlighted the challenges of traveling from Natewa to access essential medical services that are expected to be available at their local hospital, which serves the broader Cakaudrove area, including the Prime Minister’s village.
Businessman Aren Nunnink inspected the X-ray machine and found that it requires a software upgrade to become operational again. He expressed concern regarding the urgency of having a functioning X-ray machine, especially in emergency situations. Nunnink has also offered to cover the repair costs, stating that a local engineer could fix the problem in just 30 minutes.
Despite Nunnink’s willingness to help and repeated attempts to contact health authorities, responses have been lacking, particularly as some officials are reportedly on annual leave. An inquiry was sent to Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, on December 30 for an update, but no response has yet been received.
The recent National Budget allocated $12 million towards improvements at Labasa Hospital and similar facilities, including a refurbishment for the Savusavu health center. Additionally, a budget of $3.8 million was designated for minor upgrades across health facilities nationwide. However, the ongoing issue with the non-functional X-ray machine remains unsolved.
This situation sheds light on the importance of effective communication and swift action in the healthcare sector. With community members and local businesses ready to support improvements, it’s crucial that government agencies respond promptly to ensure that vital medical equipment and services remain available to those in need. Such collaboration between the community and health officials can pave the way for better healthcare infrastructure in the future.
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