SAVUSAVU HOSPITAL, New X-ray machine set for June

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plans to install a new X-ray machine at Savusavu Hospital when new machines purchased by the ministry arrive in June.

This issue was first raised last month when patients expressed concerns over the non-func­tional X-ray machine in the hospital's Radiol­ogy Unit, which has been out of service for two months.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said its biomedical team was working on a software re­placement and the short-term deployment of a Portable Digital X-ray machine to assist with service needs at the hospital.

"For the long-term, the Ministry plans to install a new general X-ray machine for the hospital when the new machines purchased by the Minis­try arrive in June this year," the ministry stated.

"Patients requiring X-rays are being sent to La­basa Hospital or a private provider in Savusavu when the need arises. Ultrasound tests continue to be provided at the unit in the hospital."

The Haematology Analyzer at the Laboratory Unit of Savusavu Hospital is also non-functional, and the ministry is working on replacing the old machine.

Specimens for haematological testing are being sent to Labasa and local private providers when required. Basic biochemistry, blood crossmatch­ing, and serology testing continue to be conduct­ed at the laboratory unit.

The ministry is urging the public to continue presenting themselves to the hospital when re­quiring medical care, as it works to restore full radiology and laboratory services at Savusavu Hospital.

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