Acting permanent secretary for Health Dr Jemesa Tudravu says the process of replacing and obtaining new machines for the Kadavu and Levuka hospital mortuaries is ongoing.
This is Dr Tudravu’s response to reports that families in Kadavu pay between $10,000 and $11,000, to transport their dead to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital mortuary in Suva if they did not want same-day burial.
Speaking to The Fiji Times last week, Kadavu provincial administrator Joji Waqata said the mortuary at the Vunisea Hospital was last operational two years ago so most burials on the island were being done the same day.
Meanwhile, the Levuka Hospital mortuary is also out of order.
Dr Tudravu said he recognised the challenge faced by the people on Kadavu and Levuka but confirmed the ministry was working on the issue.
“Morgue requires constant power supply, so ensuring that we have constant power supply to the hospital and then have a machine that’s appropriate for the hospital,” Dr Tudravu said.
“The process to replace them and get new machines are already in place. We recognise the challenges they face in terms of their final rights, and our minister has spoken on it.
“Currently we are prioritising and ensuring that our health facilities are fixed and brought to a good standard.”
Dr Tudravu said health officials on both islands regularly advised families and relatives on burial times and the facilitation of all final funeral rites.
