There are no stroke units and equipment in Labasa and Lautoka Hospitals

Medical professionals are calling for government support as there are no stroke units, stroke nurses and equipment at the Lautoka and Labasa Hospital.

This was highlighted by medical professionals and Non-Government Organisations while meeting with doctors from New Zealand during the National Stroke workshop at Tanoa Plaza.

A representative from the Counter Stroke NGO says stroke is a serious issue and the third highest-killing disease in Fiji therefore, every hospital needs a stroke unit and equipment to look after the patients, especially at the Labasa and Lautoka Hospitals.

She says they need caregiver workshops, financial support and community outreach for the public and villagers to be alert on what's going on and the difficulties faced by these professionals.

The NGO representative says as the New Zealand team is here, they also need support from the government to show how they can fight against stroke and see a decrease in this issue in Fiji.

She says as NGO they need funds as well.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says as the government and the Minister for Finance he has a keen interest in the health sector and will ensure to provide as much support as they can and will work together with the NGOs.

Professor Prasad says our state of hospitals and health centers were left in a very bad condition however, they have put a special emphasis to make sure that they do appropriate maintenance.

He further says they have increased the budget to $58.7 million - which is a significant increase from the previous years - to improve the working conditions for nurses, hiring more nursing aids and nursing assistants.

The Deputy Prime Minister says there are some important areas and innovations that they have brought within this budget which is to address the issues of making sure that the people receive the best facilities.

Professor Prasad says as an economist, he always understood that the status of health is given utmost priority.

He says being in opposition for 8 years, health was one of the key issues he was passionate about because, if it was not paid attention to then the health of the nation, the economy and everything else was going to be changed.