Dumping Of Newborn Babies ‘Heart Wrenching And Unacceptable’
The recent case of a new-born baby who was found along Lakeba Street in Samabula, in Suva has been described as heart wrenching and such incidents unacceptable.
According to a Police report, the new born baby girl was recovering at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital after she was found in Samabula on Friday afternoon.
The discovery was made by a 19-year-old woman along Lakeba Street.
The baby was said to be found covered in blood with her umbilical cord still attached and lying on a patch of grass on the side of the road.
She was rushed to the CWM Hospital as she was still breathing and received immediate medical attention.
She was recovering in a stable condition.
Meanwhile, Police had also identified the mother of the baby as she presented herself to the hospital yesterday morning.
“The 19-year-old woman who initially reported the matter was identified as the mother,” a Police report says.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says: “Life is an important gift, which we cannot duplicate. When children are born, the first few hours are vital.
“This is a priority for the Ministry of Health.”
He added that as a society we must come together and agree that these actions are unacceptable.
“It is important we remind ourselves of how vital life is. The core message of the ministry is the importance of protecting life and health,” Dr Waqainabete said.
He said that there were mechanisms and social protection available for those who find themselves in difficult positions.
Both the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Health work hand in hand in such cases.
“We partner with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare to support women. They are able to apply for food voucher assistance among others,” he said.
“The ante-natal clinics are set up in such a way that would support them. We also have provisions or opportunity for parents to get $1000 to help support them.”
This assistance is only available to those below a certain salary grade.
The Minister of Health, is however optimistic that attitudes and mindsets of people can be changed positively.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
