New Medical Boat Brings Life-Saving Care to Remote Fiji Communities

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The Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu with health officers during the fibre glass boat handover in Lagi, Dogotuki today. Picture: SUPPLIED

A new medical transport boat was officially handed over today to support the Lagi Health Centre, which serves nearly 3000 people.

Speaking at the handover,  Climate Change Minister Mosese Bulitavu praised the dedication of the health workers and called the boat a symbol of commitment to people in hard-to-reach communities.

“This boat represents more than transport, it represents hope and dignity,” he  said.

Mr Bulitavu said the challenges faced by isolated villages such as Nukudamu, Tilagica Island, and Vunikodi include limited access to healthcare, which often depends on geography and weather.

“For a mother in labour on Tilagica, or a child needing urgent care in Vunikodi, this boat means faster, safer access to life-saving services.”

He said for communities in Udu and Dogotuki, the new vessel ensures that vaccines, medicines, and health workers can now arrive regularly, even when roads are flooded or seas are rough.

“This is what accessibility looks like. This is what trust in health services feels like—knowing that when the need is greatest, help is within reach.”

He said the Lagi Health Centre har been operating since 2015 and continues to serve as a vital link for the region.