Patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) in Labasa are encountering heightened health risks due to the lack of a dedicated isolation ward at the local hospital. Currently, they are being treated at sub-divisional hospitals, which do not possess sufficient isolation facilities to manage their care safely.
Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci, the medical superintendent at Labasa Hospital, explained that ongoing delays in the completion of the children’s ward have forced the repurposing of the TB ward. “Now we are using the TB ward as the children’s ward at Labasa Hospital,” he stated, highlighting the critical need for a separate TB treatment area. The children’s ward has been closed for over a year due to extensive renovations, including crucial electrical upgrades.
Earlier this year, Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa projected that the children’s ward would be completed by March. However, despite the passage of nine months, the completion remains pending. Mr. Ravunawa attributed the delays to a change in contractors and the necessity to adhere to established government processes. He mentioned that reviewing the contractor documents required submissions to the Solicitor-General and the Minister of Finance before making recommendations.
While there is currently no definitive timeline for the reopening of the children’s ward at Labasa Hospital, efforts continue to remedy the situation. The health of tuberculosis patients in the area remains a pressing concern, underscoring the urgent need for appropriate facilities to ensure their safety and well-being.
The situation paints a challenging picture for healthcare in Labasa but highlights the potential for improvements once the children’s ward is completed. The recent developments signal that the authorities are actively working toward enhancing health infrastructure in the region, which could significantly benefit future patient care.