UNITY Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry have condemned what they describe as alarming failures in Fiji’s health system, calling for accountability over the two-year delay in operating a CT scan machine at Labasa Hospital.
Mr Narube has called for a full and independent inquiry into what he says is a health sector “buckling under the seams” from years of mismanagement and poor planning.
“Fiji’s health care system is buckling under the seams from the lack of foresight, leadership, and planning. One hand does not know what the other is doing,” he said.
He said the unused CT scanner symbolised a wider breakdown in governance.
“This is tragic as we are dealing with people’s lives. Unfortunately, this sad story is not an isolated one,” he said.
Responding to comments by Labasa Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Jaoji Vulibeci, Mr Narube said the problem went beyond funding.
“There are operational issues that have not been repaired for a long, long time. And when the new machines arrive, another critical support is missing.”
Mr Chaudhry described the situation as “inexcusable” and said stern action should be taken against those responsible.
“Such oversight is inexcusable and calls for stern action against those responsible,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Health should have ensured the power supply was ready before the scanner’s arrival.
“Who knows, some lives may have been saved had the machine been operating for the last two years.”
Mr Chaudhry said similar neglect extended beyond Labasa.
“I am also informed that the X-ray machine at the Savusavu Hospital has not been functioning for the last two years. Patients are told to use the services of a private clinic, which is quite expensive.”
The CT scanner, seen as vital for the Northern Division, remains unused as the hospital awaits funds to complete the power connection — a delay both leaders say reflects “poor management and the incompetence of individuals”.
