The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ms Margaret Twomey, will hand over to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) FJD$394,943.60 worth of laboratory equipment to support improved diabetes management in Fiji.
Speaking to invited guests at the Navua Hospital, Ms Twomey said, “Through Australia’s Fiji Health Sector Support Program, I am delighted that our investment in this laboratory equipment, and the ongoing work with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will assist diabetic patients to lead full and productive lives. Australia is proud to be associated with efforts to prevent and manage diabetes.”
Results from both the 2002 and 2011 World health organization STEP wise surveys showed high rates of poorly controlled diabetes amongst Fijians. In an effort to better identify and manage people with diabetes, the MoHMS in partnership with FHSSP, launched a diabetes screening program in 2012 and equipped public health nurses with NCD toolkits. From 2014 onwards public health workers have also been upskilled with motivational interviewing techniques so they can more effectively counsel their diabetic clients to make positive behaviour changes and comply with treatment regimens.
This new laboratory equipment will enable the testing of HbA1c at six additional health facilities— Rakiraki, Tavua, Taveuni, Navua and Levuka hospitals and the Seaqaqa health centre. Being able to provide this test at site enables both health workers and clients to improve follow up and better manage their diabetes.
In receiving the equipment, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Rosy Akbar, thanked the Australian Government and FHSSP for their ongoing support, “This public private partnership is the key foundation to nurture a multi-sectoral approach that is needed to enhance the health services and collaboratively address the challenges relative to Fiji’s health sector development.”
The Minister added, “I am pleased to note that the laboratory and biomedical technicians will receive training to equip them with the skills to correctly operate and maintain the machines. This equipment will make a great impact in terms of providing the ability to better follow up and manage diabetic conditions and adjust treatment as necessary.”
If you think you may have diabetes, please go to your nearest health facility to be checked.
For any further information, please contact FHSSP Office Manager Vasiti Nailele on 9491160 or email vasiti.nailele@fhssp.org.fj
New Navua Hospital Kitchen Starts Operating
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday 24th April 2017
Statement No: 137
MEDIA STATEMENT
New Navua Hospital Kitchen Starts Operating
In the quest to enhance the services at the new Navua Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had promptly undertaken all the required work to get the kitchen up and running. During the parliamentary session in February this year, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Rosy Akbar had emphasised on the Ministry’s commitment to have the new Navua Hospital Kitchen fully operational by April 2017. As such the work has been completed and the kitchen has been in use, providing locally-prepared meals for patients, as of last week.
Minister Akbar took a tour of the new Navua Hospital and also inspected the operations at the kitchen that has been renovated with cost of $42,000. Minister Akbar said the renovations has been completed through a close collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Construction Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Economy and the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I am also pleased to be able to report that further preparatory works to improve plumbing, landscaping and drainage are under way and should be completed by July this year. The Fijian Government remains committed to developing a healthy Fiji and as such nothing is more important to the Government than improving the health care facilities and services for people throughout the country.
“This new Navua hospital has helped to improve the lives of the people of Navua by giving them access to an enhanced health facility that, unlike its predecessor, is no longer subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Of course, building and equipment are only a part of what underpins a well-functioning health system and the Ministry is also committed to better levels of compassion, empathy and sensitivity shown by our caregivers.
“I can assure the Fijian people that is also one of my Ministry’s top priorities. Whenever a patient visits a hospital or clinic they should feel like the doctors and nurses are fully vested in their health and recovery. Nothing less in acceptable,” Minister Akbar explained.
The Health Minister also revealed the upcoming plans for the new Navua Hospital to establish a training centre for emergency medicine for all the staff in the public health facilities. This is pursed through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Guangdong Health and Family Planning Commission, People’s Republic of China in 2015. The delegation from the People’s Republic of China recently visited the Navua Hospital to further explore the potential of establishing the Fiji Guangdong Medical Training Centre.
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