Category Press Release

Health: Antimicrobial resistance important

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has noted that Fiji faces increasing levels and spread of resistant infections.

This was highlighted this morning by the Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate at the 2^nd Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Microbial Resistance.

“The World Health Organization has recognized antimicrobial resistance as a global health threat, which requires a One Health approach”.

“In our Region, it is an increasing problem with some of the world’s highest rates of resistant microorganisms and infections. There is a risk that simple medical procedures such as surgeries will not be possible as infections become untreatable”.

The Health Ministry remains committed to improve health services which will lead to reducing morbidity and mortality.

Patients with resistant infections place a high burden on the health care system requiring additional resources that needs to be addressed.

“In Fiji we are committed to combating antimicrobial resistance and have declared it has one of our priority agendas. We are currently developing our national plan on antimicrobial resistance. This will be the first in the Pacific and hopefully serve as a model to other countries. We are also establishing an AMR task force to oversee the implementation of the plan through a One Health approach”, Mr Usamate said.

Meanwhile the 2 day consultation is being organized the Health Ministry in collaboration with World Health Organization and is being attended by Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, FNU, GP’s, Consumer Council, health staff and Pharmacists.

Advancing Fiji’s health facilities and health technology

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Fiji Government has today achieved a milestone with advancing Fiji’s health facilities and health technology through completion of the phase 2 and phase 3 project at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

The completed project includes the new 25 bed Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Burns Unit, Neurosurgery operating room, orthopedic operating room, extended and refurbished completed central sterilization and supply department. Apart from this, refurbished completed and fully equipped with the latest and up to date medical equipment valued at $3.89 million Fijian dollars.

The Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate today commissioned this completed project.

“Today’s event acknowledges another milestone in the government’s ongoing effort to improve and strengthen health services in our beloved country. Health services and technology continue to develop and advance in the world today. The demand for health services is also rising. As our population increase and becomes more educated and knowledgeable, their expectations for health services also rise”, Mr Usamate said.

Mr Usamate also added that this year, Government has allocated some $46 Million dollars for infrastructural development, unprecedented, to modernize health facilities around the country to a standard that will contribute to the delivery of efficient and effective health services.

This year has seen the commencement of construction of major health facilities in Ba and Nausori to replace the much smaller and now inadequate existing facilities. The construction of the birthing unit in Makoi will commence soon.

Other improvements to health facilities around the country have been completed or nearing completion.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry remains committed to improving health services and health technology around the country.

Health centre receives timely donation

A new cardiac monitor/defibrillator has been donated to the Korolevu Health Centre by Warwick Fiji today.

The Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate said, “We are grateful for this timely donation. Korolevu Health Centre is located along a very busy highway and having such equipment will definitely  assist in times of emergencies.

“We are grateful to the hoteliers, Warwick Fiji for fulfilling this need as the health centre also administers to tourists. I am aware that the hotel has also assisted with renovating the doctors and nurses quarters”.

Warwick Fiji is also providing the health centre with Paediatric Pulse Oximeter which will assist in accessing sick children with respiratory infections.

The Korolevu Health Centre looks after 7 villages, 16 settlements, 4 resorts and 3 schools catering for a population of about 4000.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services appreciates the ongoing public private partnership as it provides support and assistance in improving health services.

CWM Hospital receives timely donation.

The American Ambassador handed over a $50,000 donation to the CWM HOSPITAL last Friday to help improve the childrens ward.

The sustainable Mahogany Industries of USA has been providing this assistance to the hospital;

For the past three years .

Health Ministry holds first public Health Consultations in the central division.

The Ministry of Health and Medical First ever public health consultation was held at the Nausori Health Centre with the overwhelming support from the people of Rewa.

These public consultations serve the platform where the people have the opportunity to discuss with the health authorities on the services provided by the health facilities.

While Addressing the public The Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Mrs Veena Bhatnagar said that the Ministry is fully committed in improving the health services and is ready to listen to the grievances of the people.

“”We have come to you to listen to the problems you face while visiting the health Facilities and we will do our level best to address them”, said Mrs Bhatnagar.

“We do understand that not everything can be addressed overnight but we will definitely look into your concerns and find the best solutions so that the people can get the appropriate treatment’, added Mrs Bhatnagar.

It was also established that some members of the public were not aware of the procedures and services offered at the Health facilities.

Mrs Bhatnagar has reminded the health staff to be more vigilant in the awareness program so that the public have adequate knowledge of the health system.

Meanwhile, more consultations are will be conducted in future and the public is reminded to take full benefit of such programs.