Nurse rides horseback to reach remote patients

When the going gets tough - the tough get going, rings true for male Public Health nurse Rusiate Kuila Degei.

Stationed at Nukuilau (about 73 kilometres from Sigatoka Town) in the interior of Nadroga Navosa, Staff Nurse Degei, 26, is given living quarters, but no mode of transportation nor an allowance for the latter.

Travelling on horseback is the only way he would get to his patients.

Saddling and raising horses was part of his growing up at Tonuve, Bemana Nadroga, so riding through rough terrains, ridges and valleys to serve nine villages and more than 11 settlements in the upper reaches of Sigatoka River is a norm.

Regardless, the geographical location which includes the physical characteristic of a village or settlement under his cover Staff Nurse Degei advocates and carries out community health, focusing on prevention and education – with normal salary.

“I am fortunate that I have families and connections in the tikina Noikoro that whenever I need a horse to get to my patients, there are relatives who are always willing to give me their horse to use,” Staff Nurse Degei said.

There are 10 villages in the tikina Noikoro (on both sides of the Sigatoka River) which includes: Korolevu, Namoli, Nukuilau, Vatubalavu, Nubuyanitu, Draubuta, Nakoro, Viti Levu, Lalati and Wema and more than 15 settlements.

“The horse I am riding in the picture belongs to one of my tai (grandfather) at Wema, I always make sure the seat is well passed because you have to be fair on the horse’s back,” he said from Naqalimare yesterday.

“The horse helps in a lot of ways – it saves time, energy and keeps me dry when crossing the Sigatoka River and streams.”

With the passion to serve he is also in charge of the Naqalimare Health Centre located 40 kilometres from Sigatoka. There are eight villages in the tikina Naqalimare: Koroisagana, Sautabu, Natawatawadi, Toga, Vunaqoru, Naveyago, Koroua and Rarabasaga.

“Whenever there is no water in Nukuilau I move down to Naqalimare and serve my patients here. I plan out my days as I need to also stay connected to those in Noikoro,” he said.