The President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, on Thursday toured the PJ Twomey Hospital in Suva.

The tour was to look at the work currently undertaken to treat patients with tuberculosis (TB).

Ratu Epeli said TB was a serious illness, which needed to be known, and patients needed to follow treatment procedures strictly.

“The awareness of this illness needs to reach down to the remote islands and proper infrastructure developed to address the rise of TB,” the President said.

PJ Twomey Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Sakiusa Mainawalala said incidences of TB were prevalent in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati (highest incidence of TB).

“In 2014, Fiji recorded 349 cases of TB. Sixty per cent of patients were male and 48 children had TB. In Valelevu there were 35 cases; Nausori had 32 while Rabi Island had 13 cases. High risk groups that can get Tb are people living with HIV, diabetics, prisoners and health care workers,” Mainawalala said.

TB patient Saiasi Ratuwaqa, 53, said he saw signs of TB such as sweating and coughing a few months ago while working on his farm.

“I collapsed while working in the farm and was brought to Suva. After a few tests, it was found that I had extra pulmonary TB which affects the eyes. I’ve been here for five months and feeling better after getting treatment,” Mr Ratuwaqa said.

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