The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) is currently grappling with significant difficulties related to its surgical capacity, as just two of the eight operating theatres are operational. This limitation has led to severe delays for patients awaiting surgery, forcing medical teams to prioritize emergency cases. Consequently, many scheduled procedures now face wait times extending to weeks or even months.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu is addressing the concerns by highlighting that some surgeries are being outsourced to private hospitals to expedite urgent cases. “In terms of backlog, we also at times do outsourcing of theatre time to the private sector, and that assists us in the backlogging of this,” Dr. Lalabalavu stated, while also mentioning ongoing efforts to reopen additional theatres. New equipment is being installed, and case reviews are actively prioritizing urgent surgeries, even though structural repairs at the hospital are yet to be completed.
The current situation has created considerable stress for both patients and medical staff, according to sources close to the hospital. CWM has faced operational challenges in the past, including a recent incident where a power outage disrupted ongoing surgery, sparking concerns regarding the hospital’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness, particularly as the hurricane season approaches. Dr. Josese Turagava, the chief pediatric surgeon at CWM, voiced his disappointment regarding the hospital’s conditions and emphasized the critical need for reliable power systems in emergencies.
While these ongoing issues are concerning, there is optimism surrounding the CWM Hospital Master Plan, which focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery in the region. The Ministry of Health is committed to addressing these infrastructure challenges, aiming to improve both access to and quality of healthcare for all citizens.
Moreover, the broader healthcare system in Fiji is under strain, facing a critical shortage of approximately 2,000 hospital beds, which exacerbates the challenges faced by medical services. While substantial investments are necessary to enhance facilities, the proactive measures being undertaken by health authorities demonstrate a commitment to confronting these obstacles and improving the overall healthcare landscape.
As the medical community and patients navigate these challenges, their resilience and advocacy for essential reforms indicate a dedication to enhancing healthcare services, paving the way for a more hopeful future in health delivery across Fiji.