15 January, 2026, 4:20 am Central - 24°C Clouds

Concerns raised on the deteriorating state of mortuaries in the outer islands

Concerns raised on the deteriorating state of mortuaries in the outer islands

By Mansi Chand
18/06/2023
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong [Image: File]

A Kadavu resident is now raising concerns about the situation of the Vunisea Hospital mortuary as it has not been operational.

The man who refused to be named says Vunisea police refused to go to Namara village to confirm the death of his relative.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Doctor James Fong has confirmed to fijivillage News that the Vunisea Hospital mortuary is not operational.

Dr. Fong says he cannot comment further on the situation as he will need the asset team to assess a few more mortuaries and update him on the conditions.

He further says they are currently focusing on the health facilities and staff quarters.

Meanwhile, a resident of Ovalau earlier this week had raised concerns that the people there are without a crematorium for more than a year due to its deteriorated state.

The man who refused to be named says the Fiji Corrections Service is responsible for the Draiba cemetery, but no alternative cremation site was arranged for the residents.

The resident adds that the Indo-Fijian residents are burdened by paying more to transport their loved ones to be cremated in Nausori.

He also highlighted the situation of the Levuka Hospital mortuary which has not been operational for more than 2 months now and nothing has been done about it.

He expressed his disappointment that Ovalau is being neglected by the government.

The Fiji Corrections Service is yet to answer our questions.

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