Labasa Divisional Hospital is currently in limbo as it awaits government funding approval to install a vital transformer essential for powering its CT scan machine, which has been out of operation for two years. Medical Superintendent Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci has confirmed that all preparations for the project at the hospital are complete. However, installation cannot move forward without the release of the necessary funds from the government.
Dr. Vulibeci pointed out that the delay in funding approval is solely in the hands of the Ministry of Health. “Physically, the CT scan is there,” he noted. “The Labasa Hospital has done its part; we’re just waiting for the transformer to be installed. The government process is quite long, and we don’t have control over that.”
In the interim, patients in need of CT scans are being referred to facilities in Suva, while those willing to pay can access services at Zens Medical in Labasa. The CT scan machine has specific power wattage and safety requirements that must be fulfilled before it can be operational.
This ongoing situation spotlights the broader issues concerning healthcare accessibility in Labasa. It has previously been reported that the CT scan unit faced delays due to electrical supply problems and needed upgrades, which left many patients without crucial imaging services and added financial strain on local residents. Now, with government funding still pending, the need to sustain operational medical services becomes even more urgent.
Despite these obstacles, the dedication demonstrated by local healthcare officials presents an opportunity for improving healthcare infrastructure. As financial decisions are awaited, there is a glimmer of hope that the updates will soon allow Labasa Hospital to offer essential diagnostic services to its community, reducing the dependency on external facilities. Engaging with local stakeholders could bolster the efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the region.