SAVUSAVU Hospital’s X-ray machine has been out of service since last year, leaving patients with no choice but to travel long distances for basic diagnostic care.
Sub-divisional medical officer Dr Tiko Saumalua said plans were in progress to install a new machine.
He said the hospital was currently waiting for the delivery of newly procured equipment to serve several facilities in the Northern Division.
Resident Emosi Baravilala said he had to spend more than $500 to get checked in Labasa after an injury.
Mr Baravilala said he sought medical attention after being crushed between two boats.
“They told me I had bruised ribs.”
But when the pain worsened and disrupted his sleep, he visited a private clinic.
“I later visited a private clinic, where doctors confirmed I had two broken ribs.”
He said his experience highlighted the real impact of delays in replacing the hospital’s broken X-ray machine.
Residents fill gap as hospitals lack meds
HOSPITALS in the Northern Division are facing a shortage of essential medicines, with some residents stepping in to cover the gap themselves.
Savusavu resident Graham Harris said he had already gifted beds to the local hospital, but the shortage of medicines remained a serious problem.
“Critical items like Ventolin and saline solution were not available,” he said.
“We had to buy them ourselves, spending over $1000. The public shouldn’t have to do this.”
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that some medications have been out of stock for up to three months.
Sub-divisional medical officer Tiko Saumalua said the ministry was using a system called M- Supply to track and redistribute medical stock from nearby facilities or reorder from Suva.
Dr Saumalua said delays in the procurement process were affecting the supply of essential medications, especially those for chronic conditions.
“We are working on procuring more stock, but the delays are a challenge.”
He urged members of the public to be patient as the ministry works to stabilise the situation.