'We are committed to learning from this incident' — Assistant Minister for Health

The rescue of six healthcare workers after they spent more than 36 hours stranded at sea in the Lau Group has prompted the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to launch a comprehensive review of its medical outreach operations, with safety measures for frontline staff now under scrutiny.

The six officials left Moce Island in a 75-horsepower fibreglass punt at about 8am on Wednesday to conduct a health outreach programme, but never reached Lakeba or Oneata after their vessel suffered engine failure in rough seas and started taking in water.

They remained stranded in open waters from about midday on Wednesday until they were rescued by Goundar Shipping Services' Lomaiviti Princess 12 at about 7pm on Thursday.

As questions mount over the safety of medical outreach operations, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa admitted the incident was an "eye-opener" for the ministry and Government.

"This is a lesson for the ministry, for the Government and for the search and rescue operation, the navy, the police and the maritime operators," he said.

"We will try to improve on that. Although being reactive, it is better we do something about it now to prevent a similar incident in the future."

The ministry has come under scrutiny following the incident, with concerns raised over the safety measures and transport systems used by medical teams serving remote islands.

Asked whether the ministry planned to improve transportation for health workers in maritime areas, Mr Ravunawa said staff travelling on official duties were covered by insurance.

"All staff who travel during working hours or engage in any official trip, they are covered by the ministry for their insurance," he said.

"It is there and they are covered when they are out in the community or out in the maritime to do their public health outreach."

Mr Ravunawa said the ministry would use the incident to strengthen future outreach operations.

"While we celebrate the safe return of our healthcare workers, the Ministry is committed to learning from this incident. A comprehensive review will be undertaken to identify critical gaps and strengthen our medical outreach operations."

He said priority would be given to improving the welfare and safety of frontline healthcare workers.

"Priority will be given to the welfare and safety of frontline healthcare workers through enhanced risk management, strengthened Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), clear operational and emergency response protocols, improved telecommunications and emergency communication systems, and the deployment of vessels that are fit for purpose and suitable for Fiji's maritime conditions."

Mr Ravunawa also thanked those involved in the successful rescue.

"The Ministry of Health and Medical Services extends its sincere appreciation to Goundar Shipping Services, particularly the Master and crew of Lomaiviti Princess 12, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Police Force, National Disaster Management Office, maritime authorities, partner agencies, the people of Lakeba, and every individual who contributed to the successful rescue of our six healthcare workers."

"We are equally grateful to the people of Fiji for their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout this difficult time."

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu declined to comment when approached at Nausori International Airport on Friday after meeting the six medical workers, who were airlifted from Lakeba.

However, he had earlier met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss safety gaps affecting medical professionals working in maritime islands and ways to strengthen existing measures.

Questions sent to Mr Rabuka remained unanswered when this edition went to press.

Describing the rescue as a blessing, Mr Ravunawa said the safe return of the six workers had brought relief to their families and the nation.

He praised the staff at Lakeba Hospital for their swift response, saying the rescued workers were too weak to disembark on Thursday night and remained on board while medical teams monitored and treated them before transferring them to hospital at first light.

Mr Ravunawa said all six workers were recovering well and that their vital signs had returned to normal.

He said the ministry remained committed to protecting frontline healthcare workers while ensuring essential health services continued to reach communities across Fiji.

"The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting those who serve our communities and to ensuring that healthcare services continue to reach every Fijian safely, effectively, and without compromise."