Grandmother's prayers answered as Lau boy is airlifted to Suva

Grateful grandmother Takayawa Mele says her prayers were answered after an emergency medical evacuation helicopter flew her nine-year-old grandson, Sireli Cama, from Moce in Lau to Suva for urgent treatment.

Mrs Mele said the past week had been one of the most difficult periods for her family as they watched Sireli suffer from severe toothache which led to a facial infection.

She said poor weather conditions and communication challenges delayed efforts to seek specialist medical care from the subdivisional hospital in Lakeba.

“We were having difficulties trying to contact the nurse in Lakeba, and the weather was not in our favour,” she said.

Originally from Komo Island and married into Moce, Mrs Mele said she also suffers from asthma and was worried she would not be able to help her grandson.

Relief finally came when the nurse visited the family again around midday yesterday.

“When the nurse came again to check on us again, she said she had managed to arrange for the helicopter evacuation.

“I am sickly, I am asthmatic, but I was so grateful when she told us the helicopter was on its way.”

Mrs Mele said she and her husband had spent several sleepless nights caring for Sireli, who was suffering from severe toothache that left his face badly swollen.

“My husband and I thank God for the nurse. In Moce we had sleepless nights because my grandson was badly sick. He had severe toothache and his face was badly swollen.”

She said her children were unemployed and could not have afforded such an evacuation on their own.

“We are unemployed and have no source of income to do all these things ourselves.

“I am so happy and grateful. My grandson Sireli is being treated as we speak.”

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said Sireli was flown to the Children’s Ward at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where he is receiving specialist treatment for buccal necrotizing fasciitis.

The ministry said the evacuation was made possible through the efforts of the Moce district nurse, who searched for mobile phone reception to make the emergency call requesting assistance.

It said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu also acted quickly to facilitate approval for the helicopter to refuel at Albert Park in Suva, allowing the retrieval mission to proceed without delay.

In a statement, Mr Rabuka said he was pleased to assist after receiving the request.

“I am grateful that I was able to assist in ensuring the refuelling was done promptly, helping the medical evacuation proceed without unnecessary delay.

“In moments like these, every small act of cooperation can make a meaningful difference.”

He also acknowledged the Ministry of Health, the National Fire Authority, Suva City Council, the helicopter crew and all those involved in ensuring the evacuation was completed safely.