Sewage spill shuts down CWM operating theatres

Shocking revelations have emerged from inside the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, with claims that raw sewage has spilled into operating theatres, crippling surgical services and putting patients’ lives at risk.

Reliable medical sources told this masthead that the problems, dating back to 2022 and years of neglect, had “created a backlog of cases, severe complications, and even deaths because of delayed surgeries”.

“There are eight operating theatres at CWM Hospital , but only four have been functional since 2022,” the sources claimed.

“Two more are down because of sewage spilling into the theatre, the latest was last Monday. Renovations keep dragging — first June 2024, then December, then mid-2025, and now December 2025, which will likely be missed again.”

The claims point to a worsening health crisis at Fiji’s premier and biggest hospital, where thousands of patients depend on timely surgeries.

Sources claim concerns raised repeatedly with senior officials at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services have been ignored.

They further claim that patients and families are enduring unnecessary suffering as surgical delays stretch into years.

“We have people waiting three to four years for basic procedures. Cancer surgeries have been cancelled for two weeks.

“We were told private theatres would be hired to clear the backlog, but nothing has happened,” the sources said.

Internal correspondence obtained by this masthead confirms escalating frustration within the hospital’s departments.

“We have cancer patients who cannot wait any longer.

“There are major complications and deaths because of delays.”

The sources claimed doctors had raised concerns through official channels, but little progress has been made.

“Even though the Minister and permanent secretary are part of internal chat groups discussing the issue, there’s no sense of urgency.”

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa confirmed that Operating Rooms 1 and 2, the Step-Down Room, and the Labour Operating Room are currently functional.

He acknowledged years of neglect and structural damage had caused major setbacks but maintained that the ministry was committed to improving facilities.

Mr Ravunawa said upgrades and equipment procurement were ongoing, including the purchase of a mammogram machine due for installation early next year.

He confirmed pilot programmes for self-testing Pap smears for women in the Central and Eastern divisions.

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