CWM Hospital struggling to cope with growing population: MP

Patients at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s emergency department often lie on benches while waiting to be seen by a doctor and are at times given IV drips while sitting on benches and chairs, and sometimes even on the floor.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj made the remarks during his response to the President’s address in Parliament yesterday, warning that the country’s main referral hospital was facing serious infrastructure and service failures.

He said medical staff at CWM were under immense pressure while facilities continued to deteriorate.

“Doctors and staff are stressed at CWM,” he said.

Mr Maharaj claimed several operating theatres were not functioning.

“Operating theatres are nonfunctional after the heavenly father unleased the hell from the ceiling,” he said.

He added that some patients were being referred to private hospitals for surgery.

“Patients are being sent to Private hospitals to get the operation done.”

The Opposition MP also raised concerns about shortages of critical laboratory supplies.

“Lab department are out of reagent to conduct critical blood test.”

Mr Maharaj said the hospital had also experienced water supply problems.

“The hospital has faced consistent water supply shortages and low water pressure, forcing the provision of bottled water to patients.”

He further stated that key facilities damaged by fire had still not been restored.

“The boiler and laundry rooms, which were destroyed by fire over two years ago, have not been rebuilt, forcing the hospital to outsource all laundry services.”

Mr Maharaj said the existing 500-bed capacity was no longer sufficient for the growing population in the Lami–Suva–Nausori corridor.

He also highlighted conditions in the maternity unit.

“The Maternity Unit has been highlighted for its inability to cater to the volume of women seeking care, leading to complaints about the lack of space and basic dignity for new mothers.”

According to him, some equipment at the hospital had exceeded its lifespan.

“For example, the hospital's primary sterilizing machine has been in use for over 24 years.”

Mr Maharaj also cited reports of poor hygiene in parts of the hospital.

“Public health advocates have reported unhygienic conditions in bathrooms, including the presence of mould, lack of hand soap, and a general failure to meet hospital cleaning standards.”

He said overcrowding and facility limitations had contributed to stress and burnout among health workers.

“Overwhelming patient numbers and facility limitations have contributed to high levels of stress and burnout among healthcare professionals.”

Mr Maharaj also questioned delays in establishing a new hospital project supported by the Government of India.

“India government is doing the hospital for free, yet it has taken this government to allocate the land,” he said.

“This government can’t even get something done that is done for free for them when will they get thing done that requires money from their own budget.”