A PATIENT transfer from Taveuni to Vatuyalewa by boat in rough and rainy conditions has triggered widespread concern and outrage after a video showing the harrowing journey went viral on social media.
The video, posted by Facebook user Joape Drauna, shows a woman lying on the floor of the open speedboat as it manoeuvres through rough seas.
Healthcare workers and family members can be seen drenched, visibly shaken, and clinging to what little shelter they had as the boat pushed through the waves.
Mr Drauna said the people deserved better and called on the minister responsible for intervention.
“We are not second-class citizens,” he said.
In response, the Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, said the patient being transferred was stable and fit for transportation.
“The challenge came when there was a sudden change in weather at sea, following a miscalculation by the boat captain,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said the situation was far from ideal but insisted the ministry had prepared adequately.
“I want to assure everyone that all safety gear, including life jackets and raincoats, were available on board.”
Unfortunately, he said, these were not used during the incident.
“The management will be discussing it further this morning to ensure lessons are learned and measures strengthened for future transfers.”
