Lakeba Hospital in Lau reports rise in diabetes, high blood pressure cases

Lakeba Hospital in Lau has recorded an increase in Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) cases, a trend that health officials describe as worrying.

Senior Divisional Medical Officer Luke Ravula said NCDs such as diabetes and high blood pressure, along with related complications, account for the bulk of hospital admissions.

“NCD cases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, along with the complications that come with them, account for the bulk of admissions. Apart from that, we also have respiratory infections and other conditions that we encounter at Lakeba Hospital,” Dr Ravula said.

Despite geographical challenges, Lakeba Hospital continues to provide medical services to remote islands in Lau.

Through support from the Ministry of Health, the hospital has conducted five to six outreach visits using the MV Vueti franchise vessel.

“Some of the islands can be reached by fiber boats, while others are too far and risky to attempt.”

The hospital offers clinics, general outpatient services, and other medical care. Mr Ravula hopes to introduce x-ray and scanning facilities to improve diagnostics.

“The main thing we also do is outreach work to outer islands and hard-to-reach areas, which is very important. Although we are somewhat scattered, the population is small and manageable. Once we have an officer on the ground, we are able to extend our medical services much further.”

Over the past year, Lakeba Hospital completed 90 per cent of maintenance work on 20 health facilities and 14 nursing stations in Lau. Maintenance teams accompany outreach teams to ensure facilities are serviced during visits.

“When we conduct outreach work, we take the maintenance team with us so they can carry out repairs on the various health facilities while the outreach team provides medical services.”

Medical supplies are delivered quarterly, enabling the hospital to sustain its services across the islands.