The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) has called on Government to urgently restore X-ray services at Korovou Hospital, warning that the prolonged absence of an X-ray technician is placing patients at risk and creating further strain on an already stretched public health system.
In a statement yesterday, association general secretary Judith Kotobalavu said the lack of diagnostic imaging services had serious implications for both healthcare workers and members of the public who depended on timely and accessible medical care.
“Every day that essential diagnostic services remain unavailable is another day that patients face unnecessary risks, delayed treatment, and inequitable access to healthcare,” she said.
Ms Kotobalavu said patients requiring X-ray services now travel to other health facilities, often at considerable personal expense and inconvenience.
She said access to diagnostic imaging was a fundamental component of quality healthcare, particularly for patients suffering from fractures, chest conditions, trauma injuries and other medical emergencies.
The association said the situation also highlighted broader workforce challenges confronting Fiji’s public health system, including shortages of specialised professionals and increasing pressure on frontline health workers.
While welcoming Government’s commitment in the 2026-2027 National Budget to recruit essential healthcare workers and fill critical vacancies, the association said urgent action was needed to ensure communities received the services they were entitled to.
“The people of Korovou and the surrounding communities deserve equitable access to quality healthcare regardless of where they live,” Ms Kotobalavu said.
