Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete confirms that they are in the process of purchasing a boiler for the CWM Hospital and he is yet to see any evidence suggesting an increase in infections because one of the boilers is not functioning.
Doctor Waqainabete made the comment after National Federation Party MP, Lenora Qereqeretabua questioned the Health Minister on how the absence of a boiler has contributed to the rise in infections of surgical cases. While responding to Qereqeretabua’s question on whether it would be correct to say that if a hospital lacks a boiler, the health, safety and well-being of patients and staff are at risk, Doctor Waqainabete asked her what evidence does she have to suggest that there is a rise in infections.
He says there is a functioning boiler at the East Wing of the hospital and for the West Wing, an outside contractor is providing the laundry service while hot water and steam needs are being met by gas and electricity.
The Health Minister says in 2019, the government tender board approved the Ministry’s request to purchase 2 boilers for $800,000.
He says however, the project implementation was interrupted in 2019 because of a fire at the West Wing that rendered the entire boiler room unusable as the Ministry of Agriculture had found traces of asbestos in the boiler room.
Doctor Waqainabete says the asbestos was safely and hygienically removed by experts but this had significantly stalled the boiler replacement process.
He says they continued with the project as a contract was signed in early 2020 but the supplier from New Zealand was not able to source the boiler from the manufacturer at the same price.
Doctor Waqainabete says the tender was recalled and instead of two boilers, only one will be purchased for which the tender process is underway.
