Ministry To Look Into Expecting Mothers’ Clinic Line Ups

Social distancing at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva has led to pregnant women waiting on steps and some even on the footpath.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Bernadette Welch said this was something they would be looking into.

These women are at the hospital to attend their ante-natal clinics.

Mohammed Bashir and his wife Arishna Devi arrived at 8am from Khalsa Road. At midday they were still waiting.

“Before we used to be able to wait inside but since the social distancing thing, we are waiting on the steps,” he said.

“My wife is seven months pregnant.”

Jone Deve and his eight-month pregnant wife, Flori, also came in at about the same time from Nakasi.

He said it was a good thing he had brought an umbrella so he could stand on the stairs when it started to rain.

Zakia Ali said she understood the need for social distancing but hoped the CWM Hospital management would look into the issue.

She said as a pregnant woman, it was a difficult thing to be in a cramped up in a small place. She said a tent in the car park with benches could be provided.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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