We have observed a decline in the number of superbugs at CWM - MOH

The Ministry of Health has today said that they have observed a decline in the number of antibiotic-resistant organisms or superbugs being isolated at the CWM Hospital, and some specific organisms have not been identified in recent weeks.

Following serious concerns raised on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan by Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea and questions raised by fijivillage, the Ministry confirms there have been isolated cases involving antibiotic-resistant organisms at the hospital.

They say each case is being managed with strict clinical oversight, ensuring that all infection prevention and control protocols are rigorously followed to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

A multi-disciplinary team is actively monitoring the situation, providing a coordinated response to contain and address the issue effectively.

The Health Ministry is also engaging in ongoing discussions with local experts and international colleagues, particularly from Australia, to review and refine the approaches based on the latest evidence and global best practices.

They say their efforts appear to be yielding positive results.

They add that while this is a promising development, they remain vigilant and committed to sustaining these improvements to prevent any resurgence.

The Ministry says the safety and well-being of the patients and staff remain their highest priority, and they are dedicated to maintaining transparency and keeping the public informed about our ongoing efforts.

They say most hospital wards where superbug cases have been identified, including the ICU, Burns Unit, and Operating Theatre, have undergone comprehensive cleaning and disinfection, strictly adhering to international infection control standards.

In addition to these measures, CWM Hospital says it has upgraded its cleaning protocols by introducing internationally approved cleaning agents specifically designed to combat resistant organisms.

These new chemicals ensure a higher standard of disinfection and reinforce their efforts to mitigate the risk of superbug transmission.

The Health Ministry says cleaning and disinfection occur daily as part of routine hospital hygiene.

They say for areas where superbug cases are identified, additional deep cleaning and decontamination are immediately carried out.

This process is audited and monitored by the infection control team continuously.

They apply a small, invisible mark of Dazo Gel on selected high-touch surfaces, like bed rails or doorknobs, using a consistent method. The locations of these marks are carefully recorded so they can check them later.

After the cleaning is complete, they inspect the marked surfaces using a UV light. If the gel fluoresces under the UV light, it means the surface wasn’t cleaned properly. If there’s no fluorescence, it shows the cleaning was thorough and effective.

They add that public cooperation is equally critical in the fight against superbugs.

The Ministry says everyone can contribute by maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, and following healthcare guidance diligently.

The Health Ministry say targeted antibiotic susceptibility testing is performed for every identified superbug case, allowing healthcare teams to determine the most effective treatment for each specific superbug strain.

To ensure patient care is not disrupted, the Ministry has procured the antibiotics through special orders.

While their initial supply was exhausted a few months ago, the Ministry says a new stock has since been secured.

However, they acknowledge the potential for stock shortages if the issue escalates, and contingency plans are being developed to mitigate such risks.

The Ministry says superbugs are a serious global concern, and managing them requires coordinated efforts.

Doctor Vakamocea had highlighted that there is no other option but to live with the superbugs detected multiple times in a year at the acute wards at CWM Hospital because it is the only facility which provides various critical services and there is no option to close it to renovate and clear the multi drug resistant organisms.

He says with superbugs detected multiple times a year, people are catching these super-bugs while being admitted and some are even dying from it.

Doctor Vakamocea says the only option is infection prevention and control.

He admits if this was a private facility, it would have been closed as a danger to the community (just like restaurants are closed) for unhygienic practices.