MEMBERS of the public in the maritime islands of Kadavu continue to face difficulties in accessing medical services on time considering their remote locations, claimed Naceva Soqosoqo Vakamarama president Ilisapeci Nasau.
She said villagers suffered the most after spending money to transfer ill villagers from the outer islands to be told at the hospital at Vunisea that the doctor was out attending to other duties.
Ms Nasau said in such situations, patients had no option but to return to their villages.
She said it was a waste of resource and money considering that people spent close to $300 to visit the hospital in Vunisea.
“We are aware of other times when people had no other option but to transport their sick family members to Suva spending around $1000,” she claimed.
“These are the sad realities that people in the maritime areas continue to face.”
Tavuki Women Defend Commons’ representative Salome Tokaiqali said they felt for the sick elderly who were weak to travel around the maritime areas especially during adverse weather conditions.
Ms Tokaiqali claimed they were aware of cases where people died because the doctor had been away on other routines when sick cases were rushed to the Vunisea Hospital.
“It is a challenge and this matter needs to be addressed because it affects the lives of people,” she said.
These concerns were highlighted to Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa who assured women that she would relate their concerns to the relevant ministry.
