THE recent decision to close outpatient dispensary services at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka and Ba hospitals has sparked public outrage, particularly among low- and no-income earning individuals.
On June 31, the Health Ministry issued a statement that effective August 1, outpatients seen at the Special Outpatient Clinic (SOPD), Emergency Department (ED), and the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) at Ba Hospital would obtain their discharge medications from the mobile dispensary stationed at the Aspen Medical-managed Ba Hospital.
In addition, outpatients seen at the SOPD, and the ED at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital would get their medications from the Lautoka Health Clinic at Vidilo House.
Maureen Lata expressed disappointment that many patients would now wait in long queues only to take their prescriptions to town in order to get their medicine, an added cost for most transportation-wise.
Her husband, Suresh Prasad, said services available at the hospitals made it easier for those who came for their reviews but may be immobile.
Apimeleki Taukei said he found out about the recent change when he took his wife to the hospital for blood tests.
“I came to get her medicine, but they told me the dispensary is closed,” Mr Taukei said.
“I don’t know why they are doing this. It’s easier for people to get seen here and then get the medication afterwards.
“Now we have to foot costs coming from home to town, then from there to the hospital and then back to town to buy the medication.”
He said smaller health centres did not have some medication due to frequent shortages.
Siteri Qoro travelled from Nadi with her child. She said she would have to pay extra for medication.
“Medicine is expensive, the packets of tablets for my daughter cost $40,” she said.
“This closure is an added burden.”
Hemant Kumar, a cane farmer of Varadoli, Ba, said many people were struggling to earn money or simply find employment.
“The patients won’t be able to go to the pharmacy to buy the medicine, and many are confused about where they can go to get their medication,” he said.
“If a cane cutter has about $200, how will they pay for food, medicine and transportation?
“People are not satisfied with this government.”
Alec Maxwell said for many, the situation had worsened.
“It’s going to be hard, they should just leave it as it is,” he said.
“They should think about the long run because this will affect a lot of people.”
Winny Fong Cheung said: “People will be affected, and some of us can’t afford to buy medication, and I am a kidney patient.”
Urmila, 81, said she went to the outpatient department at Lautoka Hospital yesterday to get medical attention for pain in her legs.
“The doctor prescribed my medicine and advised me to get my medicine from Vidilo House because the dispensary was closed,” she said.
“I have to walk quite a distance to get my medicine but previously this was all in one place.
“Due to my sickness I have to go get my medicine; it would be good if the Aspen dispensary is operating again as before.”
However, Seremaia Tuwai and Viliame Tabua expressed their support for the new decision.
“It’s best to prioritise the inpatients but so long as the dispensary remains here at the hospital for them and the outpatients can go to get their medicine from town,” Mr Tuwai said.
Mr Tabua commended the decision to prioritise inpatients with serious illnesses.
