Some rural health centres still do not have boats to transport sick patients, making it difficult for people in remote areas to access medical help during emergencies.
In places such as Cikobia in the Northern Division, health workers often have to rely on a boat from Vunikodi in Udu to transport patients.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said transport remains a major challenge for health facilities in maritime and remote areas.
“However, some health centres have already received boats,” he said.
Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry was trying to provide more fibreglass boats so health workers can reach patients faster.
“We want every facility in maritime areas to have transport such as fibreglass boats.”
He said government was also working to improve rural health facilities.
“We are improving infrastructure to ensure facilities are not only operational but functional.”
He said future upgrades would include better water supply, electricity including solar power, and improved communication systems.
He said the goal was to make health services easier to access for people living in remote communities, where transport problems can delay treatment and emergency care.
