Qamea Island continues to provide health services for Qamea villagers  with the help of a temporary health clinic at Vadradra settlement.

It has been almost a month after the Qamea Health Centre was pushed to the sea in a landslide mid-December last year.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary, Philip Davies, said the ministry is waiting for the results of a technical survey which is focused on identifying a safer piece of land as the site for a new Qamea Health Centre.

“The survey team from the mineral resources department is yet to complete its work on examining a potential site for the new Health Centre.

“Their findings are expected to be available later this month; the decision on site will then be made in consultation with the relevant experts and a recommendation which will be submitted to the cabinet for approval,” Mr Davis said.

He said the start date for the new construction will depend on the identification of a suitable site, preparation of plans and cabinet approval process.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that the people of Qamea continue to receive the services they need, while also seeking to provide them with new facilities that are well planned and better suited to the local environment,” Mr Davis said.

He said the services have been provided to the communities through the outreach medical teams deployed from Taveuni.

“The outreach team have visited a total of nine different communities while Naidilo, Yanuca and Naiviivi still to be visited.

“We also convey our appreciation for the way in which the health ministry staff have responded to meet the needs of Qamea villagers and would also like to thank the affected communities for their support and understanding during this challenging period,” Mr Davis said.

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