Pre-emptive measures have been taken to take patients out from the Savusavu Hospital due to a smoke coming from a nearby saw mill.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, James Fong said he saw that action was taken in moving patients out.

He has recently been updated of the situation as medical officers on the ground continue to take pre-emptive measures to move patients out from the smoke.

Residents in Savusavu have complained of air pollution caused by a saw mill near the vicinity of the hospital.

Elenoa Veronica took to social media to tell of her frustrations: “Due to the smoke coming from the saw dust that was being burned at the mill, my one-month-old nephew was transported to the Labasa Hospital.”

It is believed that this is the second time the saw mill has disturbed the environment, the first was a few months ago where patients were reportedly transferred to the Labasa Hospital.

A medical officer who wished to remain anonymous confirmed that patients were transferred to Nabouwalu and Labasa Hospital.

The smoke had started on Friday night. The wind continued to carry the smoke to the hospital. Patients that were stable were discharged while others were transferred.

by Jonathan Bryce