FAMILY CONVEYS APPRECIATION TO PM BAINIMARAMA

23/09/2020

A family in Tailevu is grateful to Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama for his prompt assistance which has given a new lease of life to 16 year old Ratu Manoa Drugucava.
 
Ratu Drugucava’s father, Inoke Moto of Naila Bau Tailevu said that when his son Manoa was involved in a fatal road accident at the Nadali bypass in May this year, his chances of survival were extremely slim and heavily dependent on receiving timely medical care.
 
“As my son was taken to Nausori Health Centre on the day of the accident, I was told by the doctors that my son had less than a 30 percent chance of survival and the driver had less than 10 percent chance of survival. I later learnt that the driver did not make it and lost his life that same day. I was on my knees praying for my son and hoping that an ambulance could be arranged immediately to transfer my son to CWM (Colonial War Memorial) Hospital.”
 
In the essence of time, Mr Moto said at that very moment, the only person he thought of reaching out to, was PM Bainimarama.
 
Mr Moto said if it wasn’t for Prime Minister Bainimarama’s prompt action, his son would not have survived.
 
“I was given PM Bainimarama’s number and when I called he answered within two rings. I informed him of the situation and I was amazed that within just a few minutes of my call, I could hear the ambulance siren. I knew that the ambulance was on its way to transfer my son to CWM hospital and he was given the necessary medical attention.”
 
He is also grateful that arrangements were made for the relevant authorities to allow for a quick emergency transfer to Suva.
 
Mr Moto said that those in leadership roles should learn from the examples of the leadership of Prime Minister Bainimarama in his prompt responses. He said that the PM is a leader who “walks the talk” and it’s demonstrated through the dedication and care with which he carries out his role and reaches out to all families and communities in Fiji. 
 
He said the quick action taken by PM Bainimarama will stay in the hearts of his family and he is hopeful that his son will make a full recovery and continue to pursue his studies at Queen Victoria School (QVS).
 
Mr Moto and his family also expressed their appreciation to the CWMH medical staff for the great care they provided for Manoa.
 
With the recommended medical treatment that he will receive in New Zealand, Manoa is a step closer to recovery and rebuilding his life. Mr Moto and Manoa are both looking forward to their first ever visit to New Zealand and are grateful for all the support that has been rendered to them so far. 
 
The grateful father also commended the Fijian Government for its swift assistance in facilitating the travel  arrangements for his son to undergo 11 weeks of specialised medical treatment in New Zealand.
 
“We thank the health officials who assisted us in making the necessary arrangements for this treatment and also acknowledge the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs team who assisted us with our travel visa and documents.
 
“Manoa wants to be an aviation engineer one day. I am hopeful that after this treatment, he will be able to make a full recovery, return to his normal life, resume his studies and build his future. He has also been part of the winning QVS under 16 rugby side team,” Mr Moto said.