Limited healthcare services in Ovalau are affecting the wellbeing of boarding students and placing added pressure on schools and families, according to St John's College principal Alosio Saukuru.
Saukuru, who has led the Cawaci-based boarding school for the past nine years, says the lack of essential medical facilities on the island continues to create challenges for teachers responsible for the care of students, particularly those involved in sports.
St John's College is one of the largest boarding schools in Ovalau and regularly represents the island in a range of sporting competitions.
Saukuru says while sport provides valuable opportunities for students, it also increases the risk of injuries that require prompt medical attention.
He says Levuka Hospital does not have an ambulance and has, at times, been without a functioning X-ray machine, making it difficult to properly assess and treat injured students.
Insert: Saukuru - Students kept overnight
Saukuru also highlighted the absence of a pharmacy in Levuka, saying the hospital pharmacy is the only place where prescribed medicines can be obtained.
He says this places additional financial and logistical strain on families, particularly those whose children board at schools in Ovalau.
Saukuru is calling for improved healthcare infrastructure and services in Ovalau, saying better-equipped medical facilities will benefit students, schools and the wider community.
Meanwhile, residents of Levuka will have the opportunity to engage directly with senior Government ministers and Opposition representatives during a Town Hall meeting scheduled for 7pm tonight, hosted by the Fijian Media Association.
The panel will feature Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu and Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar.
The Levuka Town Hall meeting will be broadcast live across various media platforms including fijivillage.
The public engagement programme will continue with a second Town Hall meeting at Tailevu Hotel in Korovou, Tailevu, this Friday from 5pm to 7pm.
People from these areas are encouraged to attend the Town Hall sessions, and to ask direct questions to the Government and Opposition MPs.
