Medical boat upgrade to cut emergency transfer times in Yasawa, Mamanuca

Emergency patient transfers from the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands are expected to improve following the handover of a newly refurbished medical boat in Lautoka yesterday.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu said strengthening access to healthcare in maritime communities remains a priority, where distance and geography often delay urgent treatment.

The medical vessel Nasi Yalodina, handed over at the Lautoka Fisheries Wharf, will serve island communities in the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups.

Dr Ratu Atonio said that for many island communities, the sea was both a lifeline and a barrier.

“In medical emergencies, time is critical. Safe, reliable and efficient patient transfer can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

“This medical boat will significantly enhance our ability to transport patients safely from maritime health facilities to higher-level centres for urgent care. It will improve response times, strengthen referral systems and, most importantly, reassure our maritime communities that they are not isolated when it comes to healthcare access.”

He said healthcare equity meant that whether someone lived in Lautoka or on a remote island in the Yasawas, their right to timely and quality medical care remained the same.

“The newly refurbished medical boat reflects a broader vision — a vision of resilience, adaptability and a health system that serves every Fijian with dignity and efficiency.

“We will continue to identify gaps, respond proactively and invest strategically in strengthening our infrastructure, logistics and service delivery models. To our healthcare workers, thank you for your tireless service. To our partners and stakeholders, thank you for your collaboration.”

Dr Ratu Atonio said the Government remained committed to ensuring healthcare needs were met at all times, particularly in hard-to-reach maritime areas.