First Public Audiology Centre Opens
The project cost US$10,000 (FJ$21,048).
Thursday 12 November 2020 | 09:59
People who have ear disease and hearing problems and require quality, free hearing tests will now have access to the first Audiologic Centre at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The new centre, funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), was launched by Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, yesterday.
The project cost US$10,000 (FJ$21,048).
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Mr Bainimarama said, 80,000 Fijians have some kind of hearing impairment, which accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the population.
The facility will ensure that hearing impairments are detected early and treated effectively.
“This is the first audiology centre in a public hospital in Fiji, and any Fijian who suspects they have ear and hearing problems can receive a free hearing test here in CWM hospital,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“It will give our medical professionals the ability to spot hearing problems early and to manage treatment in an efficient way. This facility will bring benefits far beyond its cost.”
He mentioned there were more hearing and ear problems in Fiji compared to most other countries.
This includes children who were treated for deafness in one or both ears after being infected with meningitis, rubella or mumps.
Until yesterday’s launch, there was no hearing-test facility in public hospitals so parents had to pay for treatment in private facilities.
He thanked the staff of CWM Hospital for providing a comfortable and relaxing space for patients and visitors.
Refurbished hospital paying rooms were also opened yesterday and small bures have now been installed around the hospital to give patients, relatives, visitors and hospital staff a place to relax and rest.
Remembrance Day
Staff of the CWM Hospital also hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Peace Garden where a plaque was unveiled by Mr Bainimarama.
A total of 311 late-members of the armed forces who died while on duty and surviving veterans were commemorated in a solemn Remembrance Day event at the National War Memorial in Veiuto.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama laying a wreath at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) Peace Garden to mark Remembrance Day on November 11, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Edited by Selita Bolanavanua
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