Health staff temporarily withdrawn from Ono-i-Lau

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed a temporary adjustment to health service delivery at the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre, following an incident that is now before the courts.

In a statement, the Ministry said the safety and security of health workers and facilities remain its top priority. As a precautionary measure, health personnel stationed on Ono-i-Lau will be temporarily relocated from the island this week.

Despite the withdrawal of on-site staff, the Ministry assured the public that health services would continue through alternative arrangements. Clinical services will be provided virtually from Lakeba Hospital on a daily basis, with support from the Eastern Division Health Services office.

Community-level care will also be maintained through three local Community Health Workers based in Doi, Nukuni and Matokana villages, ensuring residents continue to have access to basic health support.

The Ministry stressed that the changes are interim measures while a permanent security and staffing framework is put in place.

“We remain committed to restoring full primary health services to Ono-i-Lau as soon as possible, under conditions that guarantee the dignity and safety of our staff and the security of our facilities,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry has urged the community to continue working with health authorities as it finalises arrangements to safely resume full services on the island.