The Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, has issued a strong message urging residents of Fiji’s remote maritime islands to prioritize the safety and security of health workers and government officials serving their communities. This warning follows the temporary closure of the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre after an incident involving the alleged harassment of a nurse while she was on duty.
Ravunawa explained that the situation is now in the hands of the courts, with a 23-year-old male being implicated in the harassment case. Due to safety concerns, the Ministry of Health made the difficult decision to withdraw the health worker from the area to ensure their well-being.
Despite the closure of the health centre, Ravunawa emphasized that essential health services have not been entirely disrupted. Local village health workers are providing ongoing support, and the Ministry is maintaining close communication with the Eastern Divisional Office to assess the needs of the community, particularly for vulnerable elderly residents on the islands of Dakuni and Doi.
The Assistant Minister underscored the critical importance of protecting frontline workers, especially in isolated and hard-to-reach locations. “This is a stern warning to members of the public, especially in very remote maritime islands, to look after their health workers and government civil servants posted to their communities,” he stated. Ravunawa also noted the significant challenges and costs associated with transporting patients from these outer islands to mainland medical facilities, further highlighting the need for a safe working environment for healthcare providers.
The Ono-i-Lau Health Centre will remain closed until further notice, depending on the court’s findings. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and reiterates its call for communities to collectively ensure the safety of those dedicated to delivering vital health services. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community support for health workers, fostering a safer environment for everyone involved in essential services.