Three years without ultrasound technician forces Levuka expectant mothers to travel

Expectant mothers in Ovalau are still expected to travel to Suva or Nausori for ultrasound scans because Levuka Hospital has been without a medical imaging technician for the past three years.

The issue was raised during the Levuka Town Hall meeting last night by concerned mother of Waitovu village in Ovalau, Lina Anne.

She questioned government representatives on why pregnant women continued to face the burden despite the issue being raised years ago.

“This is with regards to expectant mothers in relation to Levuka Hospital, this issue has been raised for some time.

“When our expectant mothers need to have a scan, they have to travel across, for some this is done at their own cost. We’re looking at mothers who are from the rural and maritime areas.

“I think this issue was once addressed. They came up with a system where somebody was coming across from Suva for two to three days. That was happening even when I was expecting at the time.

“But till today, it is saddening to see that the same issue is still going on, where they have to travel across for scanning, either in Suva or Nausori.”

Responding to the concern, Lomaiviti Subdivisional Medical Officer Dr Malakai Raluve acknowledged the ongoing shortage of specialist staff at the hospital.

“Yes, I do acknowledge the ongoing issue with our services at the hospital. We have the machine, we don’t have the technician.

“Our problem right now is human resources. The vacancy has been advertised. We are still waiting for the medical imaging technician to come down to Levuka.

“We’ve explored the option of getting officers from CWM on a relieving basis, but due to the shortage faced at CWM, they are unable to release an officer to do that.

“In the interim, we are providing LPOs and boat tickets for our mothers who are sent across for their ultrasound scan services.”

When asked how long the service had been unavailable, Dr Raluve replied: “For three years now.”