A recent power outage at Navua Hospital was promptly resolved after a generator malfunction occurred last Saturday. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa confirmed the incident, highlighting the swift response of the technical team from Electricity Fiji Ltd., which restored power by 1 a.m. on Sunday. Fortunately, patients were not affected, and no medical incidents were reported during the brief disruption.
The sole deceased body in the hospital’s morgue was transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital with the consent of the family. Currently, Navua Hospital is fully operational, with patients in various wards reported to be in stable condition and under appropriate care.
This incident follows similar challenges faced by other healthcare facilities in Fiji, notably frequent power outages at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Previous incidents underscored the aging infrastructure and the pressing need for reliable backup power systems, especially during critical periods such as hurricane seasons. The Ministry of Health has been addressing these concerns through investigations and pledges to upgrade the electrical systems across regional hospitals.
Despite the recurring nature of these incidents, there is a collective push for systemic improvements and a sense of optimism toward a more stable healthcare infrastructure in Fiji. The quick resolution of the recent outage at Navua Hospital showcases the effectiveness of emergency protocols and reflects the dedication of health sector professionals in ensuring continuity of care. This resilience, coupled with ongoing reforms, provides hope for a more robust healthcare system that can effectively respond to future challenges.