THE commissioning of the Vuo Health Centre in Labasa has been deferred because of outstanding documentation and paperwork involving key stakeholders.
The health centre was expected to be commissioned last month, but the opening did not proceed as planned.
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa said land issues and the inclusion of a minor operating theatre were among the major factors behind the deferment.
“There were some documents and paperwork by the Ministry of Lands, the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the inclusion of a minor operating theatre in the building,” Mr Ravunawa said.
Mr Ravunawa said some smaller logistical matters needed to be resolved before the facility could be commissioned.
“These are the major factors apart from some small logistics which the stakeholders are currently working on.
The deferment means residents who were expecting to gain access to the upgraded health services at the facility will have to wait until the outstanding matters are resolved.
He said stakeholders were currently working through the remaining issues.
The inclusion of a minor operating theatre is expected to expand the range of services that can be provided at the facility once it becomes operational.
