Solutions underway for Labasa Hospital

Labasa Hospital is facing challenges with bed availability, medical supplies, and ambulances, but Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa says solutions are underway.

Mr Ravunawa toured Labasa Hospital this week and identified several key areas requiring urgent attention.

One of the main challenges is a shortage of beds.

“The structure remains the same, but with the increasing range of services being introduced, space constraints remain,” Mr Ravunawa said.

He confirmed that tenders had been issued and a supplier appointed to provide an adequate number of beds within this financial year to address high patient demand.

Medical supplies were also discussed during the tour.

Mr Ravunawa said about 90 per cent of essential medicines were already available at the hospital.

The remaining 10 per cent could be sourced through negotiations with the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services.

“FPBS ensures medicines are supplied based on need, avoiding wastage of unused stock. Most health facilities now have 90 per cent of all essential drugs recommended for hospitals and health centres,” he said.

Need for more ambulances

Another pressing issue is the shortage of ambulances.

Mr Ravunawa said the current number of ambulances was insufficient for Labasa Hospital.

“Last year, we provided more than 10 ambulances for Suva Hospital, but the vehicles distributed in Suva are not suitable for Labasa’s roads. We need ambulances that are fit for purpose,” he said.

The minister said priority areas would be considered when allocating ambulances to ensure vehicles meet local road conditions and transport requirements.

Despite the challenges, Mr Ravunawa said the Government remained committed to improving healthcare services at Labasa Hospital by addressing space constraints, medical supplies, and ambulance needs to ensure patients received timely and quality care.