NANISE NEIMILA
THE newly-renovated $3 million Nabouwalu Hospital that is expected to be completed later in the year will ensure that people of Vanua Levu access proper health facilities.
Established in 1993, the sub-divisional hospital has previously undergone minor maintenance and after 25 years then it will be renovated with state-of-art facilities ready to cater for the population in Vanua-Levu.
According to the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete this facility will be able to accommodate the 20,000 Fijians living in the greater Bua area.
“Ensuring that Fijians access proper health facility is based on providing Universal Health Coverage on the tip of Vanua Levu with a lot of traffic coming in from Natovi to Nabouwalu including the roll-on and roll off jetty.” “Also considering the tourism industry in this area plus the agricultural activity being undertaken from the south of Macuata and Bua.”
Nabouwalu is the sub-divisional hub for Bua, which covers the western portion of Vanua-Levu and four small outer islands.
Minister Waqainabete adds that this hospital should cater for the population and the traffic from Viti Levu coming through on a daily basis. “We are also prioritising the construction of staff accommodation the renovation of the Nabouwalu hospital considering the fact that 67 per cent of our staff are female and we need to ensure they have access to proper and safe accommodation. I have visited the hospital on three occasions and work has been progressing well. Our evaluation and monitoring team have also been to the site accompanied by the team from the Ministry of Economy.”
Minister Waqainabete adds that one of the important factors to consider is the high costs of undertaking constructions away from the cities and towns. “We need to consider the cost of materials, hiring special skilled contractors that are capable to undertake this major projects. The Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been able to absorb these costs and is very keen on ensuring that facilities are standardized to look after the people of Vanua Levu.”
Minister Waqainabete also reiterated that the renovations will include the renovation of the new look theatres which staff from Labasa will be utilising on a monthly basis. “People in Nabouwalu will no longer have to travel to Labasa to undergo surgeries, however, the facility will be able to provide these services.”