Congratulations Health Minister
Dewan Chand, Namadi Heights
I write to warmly congratulate the Minister for Health, Jone Usamate for his no nonsense attitude towards the provision of health services at our hospitals and health centers.
He is simply not prepared to accept sub-standard performance from the medical staff and the hospital administrators.
It is for this reason he has decided to visit hospitals and health centres and see in person the problems which exist there.
This should help to eradicate a number of problems which exist because of sheer lackadaisical (lacking enthusiasm and determination) attitude and negligence of administrators.
In April this year, my daughter was accidently burnt and I took her to Nuffield Clinic, Tamavua, which is not designed to cater for severe burns.
Hence she was transferred to Colonial War Memorial Hospital. For two days she spent time in the Namosi-Tailevu Ward. I was horrified to see the condition of the ward.
The women’s toilet was filthy and had no lights. The hand basin near the bed displayed a coloured chart out-lining six steps to washing hands.
Alas, there was no soap, no hand towel and the hand basin looked very ancient.
A dilapidated liquid soap dispenser had no soap, a sad state of affairs for the largest hospital in our country.
She was eventually transferred to the Burns Unit, an ultra modern addition to the hospital. Here the facilities are excellent and the staff very efficient and courteous, with a few exceptions.
The burns patients are kept far apart to prevent infection and the visiting hours were strictly adhered to.
However, the presence of flies was an annoying factor. Maybe fly-catchers should be installed.
The waiting room for relatives outside the operation theatres is a very uncomfortable place. Poor cross ventilation and lack of fan and proper toilet facilities for men is traumatic.
Men were forced to use the women’s toilets, which too was not in a good condition. Out of three only one was functional.
This is simply an unacceptable condition.
For some odd reason, the hospital administration switches off exterior lights, soon after the visiting hours, covering the car park.
One night after visiting my daughter I was going towards my car in the dark and had a fall in the Ambulance Bay because there was no ramp to the footpath.
Lucky for me at the age of 72, I did not break any bones. However, I had to undergo an x-ray examination because of the bruises and muscular pains which persisted for weeks.
In my view, the exterior lights should be left on for safety and security reasons.
Visitors to the hospital can easily be robbed in the dark.
During heavy rains the New Wing leaks in a number of places, the most significant one being the one right in front of the emergency reception desk.
A huge plastic basin sits there on a rainy day. I am sure this can be easily fixed.
I appeal to all associated with our hospitals and health centres to take pride in their work and make it welcoming and comfortable for all those who use its services.
Corporate charity
Ronnie Chang, Nadi
Will Digicel Fiji, as major sponsors of the 2016 Nadi Bula Festival, together with officials of the festivals finance committee, make a firm undertaking to ensure that adequate measures are duly undertaken to ensure the full restoration of the Nadi Hospital’s paying ward to its “former glory” since its inception?
For all Nadi citizens and visitors alike, who will require such life-saving services, please!
For many of us, the standard of service extended in the medical and surgical wards, are in short “grossly inadequate” in this modern day, the 21st Century.
As the Jet Set town prepares itself for the status of “City” accreditation come 2017, one shower facility to 21 patients is not acceptable.
I would hate to see our honorable and hardworking Prime Minister; the Attorney-General; the Minister for Health taken ill while on tour of duty in our very congested town.
Besides, the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was in a very sorry state of affairs when I last saw it several weeks ago. I need not go into any detail.
My comments are made in absolute good faith in the fervent hope that health care service delivery is restored to acceptable levels, for the betterment of all concerned.
Sadly, some infrastructure, for reasons unknown, have been allowed to “shamefully fall apart” and much-needed adequate funding become a scarcity to maintain desired levels of the hospital’s ongoing maintenance programmes.
Congratulation heroes
Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi
It was indeed a historic moment for Fijian rugby as our honourable Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced the final 13-member squad to Rio.
As the nation awaited to know who were selected, it became an emotional one for many who were glued to the television.
However, for those who could not make it, you are still in our hearts and are still our Fijian sevens heroes. We wish coach Ben Ryan and his team the very best in Rio and we hope you make Fiji proud. A tiny nation with a #levu heart (big heart).
Vinaka Rabuka
Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada
From the perspective of a QVS old boy (OB), it touches the heart to read that OB Sitiveni Rabuka, the former prime minister and the new SODELPA party leader has been financially supporting both the QVS Under-18 team and the QVSOB rugby team (FS15/7).
To read that the Queen Victoria School Under-18 side beat defending Deans Trophy champions Ratu Kadavulevu School 19-18 on Saturday to be crowned the Eastern Zone champs (FS 17/7), kind of gives the Victorian family high hopes of winning the Deans Trophy this year.
Vinaka Rabuka, parents and guardians and OBs for supporting current students and we all hope that all QVS teams qualify to play in quarterfinals with the Deans Trophy taking a stroll down from Lodoni to Matavatucou this year.
Free milk
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
I refer to the letter (FT16/07) on free milk and wish to let this letter writer know that it is a parent’s right to raise concerns should they feel difficulty in purchasing the same kind of milk that is given to them in school.
Some children can be very demanding and they simply would not settle for anything else.
Depending on the different types of scenarios, different approach and methods are being used to curb this kind of issues by parents.
There are many children who have proper breakfast in the morning thus, the free milk would not be digested well in the time not suitable for their intake.
I believe every household should be able to afford milk and I know there are many who can. We’ve got free education already. To some extent, I agree that it is not fair for other children who are probably having a good intake of milk in school but coming from that particular parent to stop it in schools is a bit out of line.
Maybe, this particular parent could seek the ministry’s help to curb their issue.
They can be supplied with that milk at their home as well.
Well if the ministry can help in schools, they can help in this kind of situation as well after studying the whole scenario of that family.
While on that, there are many parents who have raised concerns on things like wrist bands being sold in schools especially in primary schools and little children getting tempted to buy this. They end up using their money on such kinds of things and the parents only come to know when they meet their kids.
This practice is normally done during certain types of programmes being organised in schools. We all know that no sort of fundraising is allowed in schools.
Well the bottom line is where the finance is concerned. One way or another, the eyebrow is raised. Since the ministry has taken initiative for the free milk, they will surely find ways to help settle this mater as well. Let’s hope for the best.
Litter bugs
Wise Muavono, Lautoka
I have written and spoken tirelessly of the problem of littering in Lautoka and the way in which we have cultured ourselves to accept it as a way of life, even when it threatens our very existence. I often ask myself why do they do it! Is it because they are lazy and have no civic pride? Sa rui levu na qaciqacia (Enough with the showoff).
Million dollar players
Sukha Singh, Labasa
I got to thank Osea Kolinisau for retaining his captain’s position. I also thank him for all the personal sacrifices like ditching his university studies and keep playing for Fiji without worrying about what he will do when he has finished from sevens. I’d also like to thank Ben Ryan and everyone who is in this squad. But please remember it is a game of sevens and anything can happen!
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj