Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has confirmed that the country has 50 ventilators that they use for patients on an on going basis and the ministry has procured about 12 more over the weekend.
A ventilator is a machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently.
This is particularly important for patients who have been tested positive for COVID-19 as one of the symptoms include difficulty in breathing.
Doctor Waqainabete says they are looking at another 50 ventilators to come in.
The Minister adds that one of the things that people need to remember is that the ventilator is a machine and a person who understands how to use the machine is needed.
He adds that the doctors and nurses are paid well and that is why they are not leaving in droves like it used to happen before.
The Minister is also urging the public to do the right thing and not to stretch the health system and people need to do their part.
Meanwhile, the Minister adds that they have identified areas in the greater Suva and in Valelevu to set up fever clinics.
He says that as this is the flu season, it is an opportunity to demarcate those who have flu and possible COVID-19 but in a different setting away from Health Centres and hospitals which is the whole aim of the fever clinic.
Doctor Waqainabete says they are now looking at establishing a fever clinic outside CWM Hospital, around the vicinity of about a kilometre or so within the next 24 hours.
The Minister also says that they have continued to carry on their Western Health Care Service Continuity which is now operational at Sigatoka and Rakiraki hospitals.
He says they have sent specialists to Rakiraki and Sigatoka who started providing emergency secondary level care.
He says the very sick people that need intensive care will be brought to the CWM Hospital where they will be looked after.
