The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, has officially presented a new advanced ambulance to the Tavua Medical Team at the Nadarivatu Health Centre. This state-of-the-art vehicle, valued at approximately $185,000, was generously donated by the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council and is specifically designed to navigate the challenging hilly terrain of the Tavua Medical Subdivision.
Minister Lalabalavu emphasized the significance of this handover, highlighting it as a vital advancement in enhancing healthcare delivery at the community level. The 4-wheel drive Landcruiser ambulance is expected to improve emergency response and patient transport services, providing crucial support to the residents of the Nadarivatu Health Centre and surrounding rural areas by ensuring quicker and safer access to medical care.
This initiative is part of a larger trend of enhancements in Fiji’s emergency healthcare services. Recently, regions such as Rewa have also received new ambulances through similar donations, which aim to improve response times and alleviate the logistical challenges faced by health workers. Earlier this year, a donation from Japan led to the introduction of several ambulances that now assist local medical officers in providing efficient patient transportation to medical facilities.
The support from the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts to strengthen Fiji’s health infrastructure and ensure accessible emergency services, especially for those residing in remote locations. As the nation continues to focus on enhancing its healthcare capabilities, the importance of partnerships and philanthropic contributions cannot be overstated. These efforts promise a brighter future for healthcare accessibility across Fiji, making essential medical services more reachable to all communities.