Fever clinics have been set up in most remote maritime islands around the country this week as the Government steps up its war on the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

This is also part of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services drive in its cautious optimism to contain the number of those affected by the infectious virus.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said his ministry was working hard in ensuring all Fijians had the same access to services that were available in cities and towns.

He said the ministry over the past three-days had worked on setting up fever clinics around the nation.

The ministry has set up close to 10 fever clinics in the maritime islands.

“We have set up clinics in Waiyevo, Taveuni and it’s in the Health Centre outside the general outpatient department,” Dr Waqainabete said.

“For the Lomaiviti group there is one tent that is set up outside the Levuka Hospital,” he said.

“In Bua it’s just outside the Nabouwalu Hospital and in Labasa Town it’s in Nasea Health Centre in Labasa Town.

“We have even gone up to Vanuabalavu and it’s in the Lomaloma Health Centre.

“In Lakeba it’s in the Lakeba old nurses quarters.”

He added that in Kadavu it was in the Vunisea Hospital outpatient section and in Rotuma in the Rotuma Hospital.

“The purpose of the fever clinic is just to increase our capability to be able to identify people who may have the potential to have COVID-19 and it certainly allows more access for members of the public to be able to get to a facility where a health staff is, without having to visit the hospital,” he said.

“At the clinic we will have a medical professional to check and test them to confirm that they do not have the disease.”

He said only people with symptoms were anticipated to be checked at the fever clinics.

“Here we will be able to identify whether they have or do not have the disease and the necessary treatment that they need to undergo.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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