Valelevu Health Centre is expected to serve an at least 200,000 people along the Suva-Nausori corridor as it opens its doors 24 hours and seven days.

This was announced yesterday by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar, during the official launching of the 24-hour Valelevu Health Centre in Nasinu.

On a daily basis, Ms Akbar said the health centre served an average of 500 to 700 patients per day and even reaching up to 900 patients during disease outbreaks.

“My ministry’s vision is creating ‘A healthy population’ and to realise this vision the Fijian Government is committed to enhance and improve access to health services for our ordinary Fijians through creating a supportive environment such as this 24-hour services at Valelevu health centre,” she said.

This extended service is expected to help people living along the Suva-Nausori corridor who need urgent medical attention. Those who are critically ill will also have access to medical services, day and night.

For patient Losana Kubulala she said a 24-hour medical service at the centre was a relief.

She said this would benefit everyone living within the Nasinu area and those coming from Nausori.

“Anyone can come at any time to this health centre and there will be no burden to the patients as they can be seen at any time,” she said.

“I thank the Government of the day for thinking about the life of the people of Fiji in providing a lot of doctors, nurses and providing better services all the time.”

Ms Akbar said: “It also means that people who are victims of road accidents, which is common along the Suva-Nausori roads and injuries, are attended to at the health centre and stabilised before transfer to CWM Hospital.

“This will also mean, unnecessary pain, suffering, hospitalisations, disability and even premature deaths is prevented or reduced.

“It will also mean that people will still be able to access health services without missing work or school and prevent people from overcrowding the health centre during the early hours in the morning and in the afternoon after work or school rushing to the health centre before it closes.”

The Fijian Government has committed a lot of resources towards the realisation of this 24-hour services. The number of doctors and nurses was increased to cater for this additional service.

She also noted that a 24-hour ambulance services will be based at the health centre for rapid response and transfer of acutely ill patients.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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