Vacant Positions a Worry in Rabi Health Centre
“This is the highest level of health center that provides services,” Dr Turaga said.
Thursday 18 January 2024 | 14:47
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu( back row, third from right) with Rabi Health Center staff on January 15, 2024. Photo: Ministry for Health and Medical Services.
The Rabi Health Centre has been operating despite not having key medical positions filled for almost 10 years.
Senior medical officer, Dr Jone Turaga, enlightened the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, about this during his visit to Rabi Island on Monday.
Dr Turaga said the Rabi Health Centre was categorised as Level A and looks after Rabi, Kioa, Tukavesi, and Natewa Bay health facilities.
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He said for Level A health centres, services provided in such centers are close to what is often provided in sub-divisional and divisional level hospitals.
“This is the highest level of health center that provides services,” Dr Turaga said.
“In addition to the normal operation, Level A health centers need to have a dentist and we need to provide X-ray, which we don’t have.
“The other disciplines, x-ray technician, health inspector and our dentist positions have been vacant for almost 10 years now.”
Dr Turaga said it pains him whenever he refers patients to Savusavu sub-divisional hospital for X-ray purposes since patients must meet travelling expenses.
“A visit to Savusavu costs them $50 to $80 just to have a single X-ray done,” he said.
“Considering the population a Health Inspector on the island is overdue. This is the basic foundation that all medical issues arise from. Basic sanitation and hygiene are managed by a Health Inspector hence these area must be addressed.”
Acknowledging the plight raised, Dr Lalabalavu said: “We come here to see and hear your views for the facilities and the services that the Government provides.”
“We want to experience first-hand the challenges that not only for our staff trying to deliver the services, but especially the community on how they access health care in an isolated area such as this.”
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