New Medical Centre for Labasa
“For a number of years, the private medical system in Fiji has been very limited and people in the rural areas have often been disadvantaged,” Mr Prasad said.
Monday 27 May 2024 | 14:50
From left: Zeenat Khan with her husband, VanMed director Arveen Chandra, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, Diagnostic and Specialist Medical director Doctor Ram Raju and Tui Wailevu Ratu Laisiasa Solodrau Niumataiwalu during the opening of the medical centre in Wailevu, Labasa on May 25, 2024. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Northerners will now be able to access more medical help following the opening of the Diagnostic and Specialist Wailevu Medical Centre in Macuata.
The centre was opened by the Minister for Finance Biman Prasad on Saturday.
The $400,000 investment was made possible by VanMed director Arveen Chandra and Diagnostic and Specialist Medical director Doctor Ram Raju.
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They partnered with Bula Ambulance to provide ambulance service.
“For a number of years, the private medical system in Fiji has been very limited and people in the rural areas have often been disadvantaged,” Mr Prasad said.
However, he said Government, since coming into office had engaged a lot more with the private sector.
He said that they recognised the private sector had a significant part to play in providing medical services, therefore, they will provide that platform and facilitate a conducive environment for private sector investment and innovation to take place.
“The all-inclusive DSM Wailevu Medical Centre is an example of this vision,” he said.
“It is important to note that, this is the first of its kind all-inclusive medical centre on Vanua Levu.”
He said the provision of quality health services together with equitable geographic access and service delivery were important components that constituted Universal Health Coverage.
Mr Chandra, originally from Waiqele, Labasa, said it took them about four months to set up the centre.
“This is my 14th branch, and we did lot of work during coronavirus under public private partnership where we saved lot of money and so we thought to invest into a new venture in Labasa,” Mr Chandra said.
“This centre provide general practice, all testing since we have full medical laboratory, scanning and now we are looking for a pharmacist.”
He also launched two products called HPV 16 18 45 where women can do self-swabbing for cervical cancer and Drug of Abuse (DOA) oral fluid drug test.
They have 12 staff including two doctors.
The centre will be opened seven days including public holidays.
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