Infection prevention and control guidelines in place to deal with super-bugs - Dr Tudravu

We have processes in place like infection prevention and control guidelines to deal with super-bugs.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu highlighted this to fijivillage News regarding concerns raised by Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea that super-bugs are detected several times a year at the CWM Hospital, people catching these super-bugs while being admitted and some even dying from it.

Dr Tudravu says they are fortunate to have development partners that they have worked very closely with.

He says they have engaged external support and technical advice, and through that they put processes and systems in place in terms of surveillance and responses when we have outbreaks.

When asked on whether the public should be warned about going to hospitals, Dr Tudravu says in terms of that, there's always risks as hospitals are places where all sick people go to.

Dr Tudravu says it is a place where there is infection, because people come in with different forms of infection and illnesses.

He says patients are there because the treatment is available.

The Permanent Secretary says these guidelines are very clear, and it is important for healthcare workers, patients who come in, and even relatives.

He says they do their best to talk to patients' relatives, and patients themselves about the risks that are involved, and the personal protections that need to be undertaken when they are in the hospital.