Labasa Hospital has made significant strides by settling a substantial debt owed to a private hospital for CT scan services, as confirmed by the medical superintendent, Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci. “We’ve already paid what we owed,” he stated, marking a key development for healthcare access in the region.
For over two years, patients from Labasa have been referred to a private facility for CT scans due to the hospital’s scanner being out of order. Complications have arisen, however, as the private hospital has stopped accepting local purchase orders (LPOs). Dr. Vulibeci indicated, “They stopped accepting our LPOs, but we’re still waiting for a formal letter from them. Right now, they’re just saying they’ve stopped, nothing in writing.” This situation has necessitated that some patients travel to Suva for scans, incurring additional expenses, such as airfares, meals, and accommodations for those needing overnight stays.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Labasa patients can still access CT scans at the private facility, albeit at their own cost. This has heightened concerns among residents, especially since the Health Ministry previously paused coverage for CT scans at private hospitals to tackle outstanding debts. As a result, individuals now face financial burdens of over $600 for these essential services.
Compounding these issues are the infrastructure challenges at Labasa Hospital, where a new CT scan machine remains inactive due to outdated electrical systems. Efforts are underway to upgrade the electrical system in partnership with Energy Fiji Ltd and the Public Works Department. There is hope that these upgrades will lead to the restoration of vital services at the hospital, easing the financial strain on local patients.
Community leaders and government members emphasize the critical need for improvements to the healthcare infrastructure in Labasa. The potential for refurbishments and upgrades offers a positive outlook for the future of medical services in the area, paving the way for enhanced accessibility and quality of care for residents in need of medical imaging.