The newly opened Rotuma Hospital has been hailed as the cornerstone to healthy living and longevity in Fiji’s farthest maritime region.
This following the opening of the newly built state-of-the-art hospital on Rotuma, serving a population of 1,899, across 22 villages.
The project is valued at $10.3 million, with construction taking over nine years to complete.
The new health facility now has the capability to conduct surgical procedures without the need to refer cases to the CWM Hospital in Suva.
The hospital also has a dedicated birthing unit with new delivery beds, an infant warmer with an infant incubator.
There are also new rooms for physiotherapy services, laboratory services and radiology services.
Speaking at the opening of the Rotuma Rural Hospital, the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Antonio Lalabalavu said this is the only public facility on the island that would provide exceptional services, than what existed previously.
Dr Lalabalavu said the new hospital is cyclone-proof, providing eleven beds at the General Outpatient Area, compared to the four beds available previously.
He said that to ensure that the new hospital will function effectively as it begins operations; the Government has also ensured that new biomedical equipment is purchased and installed at the hospital.
He said that: “These include Potable digital X-ray and a scan machine for radiological examinations; Centrifuge machine, Haematology analyser machine and Biochemistry analyser machines for the medical laboratory; and the New Dental chair and portable dental machine for the dental unit.”
The Ministry is expected to boost manpower at the hospital from 37 to 50 staffs, with new positions like Medical Laboratory Scientist, Ward Assistant, Dental Therapist, Health Inspector, Cleaner, Cook, and Handyman added to workforce for the new hospital.”
Dr Lalabalavu said these positions are likely to be recruited soon.
