The family of six-month-old Samisoni Vana Ratuvou, affectionately known as Yaca, has taken a significant step by filing an official complaint with the Ministry of Health regarding serious inadequacies in medical care at the Qarani Health Centre on Gau Island. This action comes after the tragic passing of their infant, which has sparked concerns about the quality of healthcare services in remote areas.
In their complaint, directed to Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. Jemesa Tudravu and senior officials, the family recounts how the health facility had been closed due to water supply issues, directly impacting Yaca’s treatment. After returning that night, they encountered distressing delays in receiving medical attention, including a holdup in administering crucial intravenous fluids. Tragically, Yaca was pronounced dead between 3 am and 4 am, with dehydration cited as the cause of death.
Yaca’s mother shared her immense sorrow, describing her son as a deeply cherished individual whose short life carried profound significance. She is now calling for immediate improvements in healthcare services in remote areas, emphasizing the dire need for essential resources such as water, adequate staffing, emergency preparedness, and swift medical intervention—factors she believes contributed to her son’s untimely death.
She insists that this advocacy is not solely for Yaca, but for all children residing on Gau Island, urging the government to uphold access to quality healthcare as a fundamental human right. While the Ministry of Health has yet to publicly acknowledge the family’s complaint, this issue underscores the critical need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure in remote regions.
The family’s courageous decision to voice their concerns highlights the urgent demand for reforms aimed at protecting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. In raising awareness about these significant deficiencies in medical care, they advocate for a future where every individual, regardless of where they reside, has access to timely and adequate healthcare.