Patients bear CT scan cost as government halts payments

Listen to this article:

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa. Picture: SUPPLIED

Residents of Labasa are being forced to pay more than $600 for a CT scan at a private hospital after the Health Ministry stopped covering the cost.

Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa confirmed the ministry previously paid Zen’s Medical for all CT scans for patients in the Northern Division. However, he said the payments were halted because the ministry had to settle an outstanding debt with the service provider.

“We used to pay for every case,” Mr Ravunawa said.

“It was a case-by-case arrangement, but we’ve had to stop temporarily while we clear our dues.”

In response to queries from this newspaper, he said the Labasa medical superintendent was waiting for advice from the permanent secretary on whether the ministry would resume covering the cost of CT scans.

He did not confirm how much the ministry had paid Zen’s Medical, citing a binding contract and confidentiality terms.

“Labasa remains a critical hub for medical referrals in the North, and the Government is not taking this matter lightly.”

Mr Ravunawa said the CT scan machine at Labasa Hospital was brand new, but could not be used yet due to power limitations.

“A major electrical upgrade is underway to support high-powered medical equipment,” he added.

Mr Ravunawa said the project was being carried out in collaboration with Energy Fiji Ltd, the Public Works Department and the Health Ministry.

“The current power supply can’t handle the load.

“We’re not taking any risks. This is part of a capital project to improve services at Labasa Hospital.”

He said the delay in the installation of the CT scan machine was the result of poor planning and neglect by the previous administration, and the Government is now trying to catch up.