The people of Kavala in the island of Kadavu are calling on the government to fix serious problems at their health centre as they are concerned about outdated infrastructure, weak power supply, and limited medical equipment, which are affecting health care services for 3,800 residents.
A concerned villager says the community is asking the government to act quickly to improve facilities and resources to prevent medical negligence and improve care.
The villager says overcrowding and space issues are leading to unsafe practices that violate health guidelines.
Built in 1973, the Kavala Health Centre is staffed by a small team, including one doctor, one clinical nurse, four district nurses, one health inspector, and one labourer.
However, the community says that the worn-out building poses risks, especially during emergency care and is requesting new hospital beds, as the current ones cannot be rolled or adjusted for respiratory patients, and also ask for repairs to rusted window frames, torn netting, and damaged tiles and floors.
The community is requesting for repairs to be done to the ceiling, sink, and nurse quarters and are requesting new chairs for patients and their relatives as they wait.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu says the Kavala Health Centre and staff quarters is scheduled for minor repair works in the 2nd quarter of the financial year.
He says this also includes the tiling of the health centre, and the beds and chairs will be replaced as well.
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