28 May 2020

Fiji opposition calls for inquiry into state of health services

3:26 pm on 28 May 2020

A Fiji opposition party has called for an inquiry into the condition of the country's hospitals and health centres.

Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva

Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva Photo: The Electives Network

National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said health facilities were in a poor state, there were equipment breakdowns and often a lack of basic medicine and supplies.

Mr Prasad told parliament the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the fragilities of the country's health system.

He said the general pathology laboratory had been out of reagents since January, meaning some tests couldn't be carried out.

He added that only one of four dialysis units at Suva's main hospital was operational.

The health minister, Ifereimi Waqainabete, said the call for an inquiry was inconsiderate and inconceivable while the world was battling Covid-19.

He told parliament many of the issues raised by Mr Prasad were already being addressed.

The deputy leader of the opposition in Fiji and NFP president Biman Prasad.

The NFP's Biman Prasad Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins