More beds are expected to be delivered to hospitals around the country as the Health Ministry has started the implementation of a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme, with 1,502 units of medical furniture, including beds and other equipment.
While responding to questions from Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj on the progress of the hospital bed upgrade programme, Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says a total of 779 general hospital beds have been approved under the tender process, with 338 allocated for the Central Division, 312 for the Western Division, 117 for the Eastern Division, and 12 for the Northern Division.
He says in the Western Division, Nadi Hospital will receive 84 beds, 74 beds for Sigatoka Hospital, 43 for Lautoka Hospital, and Tavua Hospital will receive 29 beds.
In the Northern Division, Labasa Hospital will receive specialised electric beds for its Critical Care Unit and operating theatres.
In the Central Division, the CWM Hospital will receive new beds for critical areas, including the Children’s Ward, Labour Ward, Postnatal Ward, Birthing Unit, and Intensive Care Unit.
He says Tamavua Hospital will also receive 39 beds for its Dermatology and Tuberculosis wards.
Dr Lalabalavu says the wider procurement package will also include 75 paediatric beds, 40 psychiatric beds, 23 five-function hydraulic cardiac beds, 58 emergency beds, 25 patient transfer trolleys, 150 electric examination couches, 76 scoop stretchers, and 372 wheelchairs.
He says the phased approach over three years will allow biomedical technicians to properly inspect, assemble, and maintain the new equipment.
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Dr Lalabalavu says these approvals were secured in the last financial year for a major tender to procure medical beds and equipment, marking the beginning of a multi-year initiative to replace outdated beds across most health facilities in Fiji because, many health facilities have been operating with ageing infrastructure, including patient beds that have exceeded their economic and clinical lifespan.
He says the programme is part of the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring patients receive treatment in facilities that meet modern clinical standards.
When questioned about overcrowding at the Emergency Department at the CWM Hospital, Dr Lalabalavu says the expansion of the Accident and Emergency area is included under the Fiji Infrastructure and Transport project.
When asked about the responsibility for maintaining hospital equipment, including wheelchairs and other fixtures, Dr Lalabalavu says responsibility lies with everyone, including patients and staff responsible for managing health facilities.
He says nursing supervisors in wards are responsible for monitoring equipment and reporting any damage or misuse.
While responding to concerns about patients waiting without beds at the Emergency Department, he says the issue was mainly due to space constraints.
