More than 500 people in three villages in the Tikina Taivugalei on the border of Tailevu province now have access to health services after the opening of the new Vatukarasa Health Centre.
Vatukarasa headman Vilimone Betakula said the villagers are now saving time and money as in the past, they had to walk for more than two miles to access health services.
He said for serious cases, people will be referred to the Vunidawa Hospital which is located on the other side of the Rewa River.
He said the villagers had requested government for a health centre 10 years ago.
Staff Nurse Jokaveti Biaukula who was transferred to the centre four months ago said the centre will look after the outpatients department, maternal child health, ante-natal clinic and special outpatients.
Commissioner Central Lt Colonel Laisenia Tuitubou said although the centre is fully operational, it is yet to be commissioned.
The health centre cost $400,000 and was completed in 14 months.
Other government projects in Tailevu include the Sawakasa Seaweed farming, Lawaki Pineapple farming and the $250,000 seawall built at Qoma Island.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua
