The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) is currently facing significant challenges with its surgical capacity, as only two of the eight operating theatres are functional. This situation has led to considerable delays for patients awaiting surgery, with medical teams required to prioritize emergency cases, thereby extending wait times for many scheduled procedures to weeks or even months.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has attempted to alleviate concerns by noting that some surgeries are being outsourced to private hospitals to address the urgency of cases. He reassured that efforts are ongoing to reopen additional theatres, stating, “In terms of backlog, we also at times do outsourcing of theatre time to private sector, and that assists us in the backlogging of this.” Dr. Lalabalavu also mentioned the installation of new equipment and active reviews of cases to prioritize urgent surgeries, despite structural repairs not yet being completed.
The situation has reportedly created stress for both patients and medical staff, as revealed by sources close to the hospital. CWM has struggled with operational issues in the past, particularly highlighted by a recent incident where an ongoing surgery was interrupted due to a power outage. This incident raised alarms about the hospital’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness, particularly during critical situations such as hurricane seasons. Dr. Josese Turagava, the chief pediatric surgeon at CWM, expressed disappointment regarding the hospital’s conditions and emphasized the need for reliable power systems, especially during emergencies.
Despite the ongoing issues, there remains a glimmer of hope, as the recently implemented CWM Hospital Master Plan targets the improvement of healthcare delivery in the region. The Ministry of Health’s commitment to addressing these infrastructure challenges aims to foster better healthcare access and quality for all citizens.
Furthermore, concerns continue to mount regarding the broader healthcare system in Fiji, with a critical shortage of approximately 2,000 hospital beds contributing to the strain on medical services. While significant investments are needed to improve facilities, the proactive measures being taken by the health authorities reflect a dedication to overcoming these obstacles.
As the medical community and patients work through these difficulties, their resilience and advocacy for necessary reforms signal a commitment to enhancing healthcare services, suggesting a brighter future for health delivery in Fiji.