Questions raised on when the Children's Hospital at CWM will have a functioning lift

When will the Children's Hospital at the CWM Hospital in Suva have a functioning lift?

This question has been raised numerous times as the hospital has not had a functioning lift for about 10 years.

When fijivillage News had enquired last month, Assistant Health Minister, Penioni Ravunawa had said that he was briefed by the Technical Supervisor that the lift is installed.

However when we checked at the 3 floors with the doctors, it was confirmed that the Children's Hospital lift is still not functioning.

We also sent photos as proof to Ravunawa. 

Then on 19th February, he said he was briefed that the lift is installed and commissioning is taking place. He had said that it was hopefully ready for use on the next day.

When we asked again last week, we were told that this is still not ready and they are using the lift in the Lancaster Ward.

While raising concerns that the Children's Ward lift is still not functioning, International Women's Association Fiji President, Judy Compain says two years ago, they raised $350,000 in their Annual Charity Ball.

She says $250,000 was earmarked to replace the Children's Hospital lift and $100,000 was allocated to get a new echo machine.

They bought the echo machine immediately after the Ball.

Compain say unfortunately, a week after they raised the funds, the Ministry of Health said that the Ministry will replace the lift.

She says the Children's Hospital has not had a functioning lift for a decade, and there seems to be no urgency to get this essential service available.

Compain says they are also waiting for the Ministry of Health to approve their planned work at the Children's Hospital.  

She says the officials are waiting for the Minister for Health, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.

We are awaiting further updates from the Ministry.