Category Public Advisory

 Health Ministry detects more Leptospirosis cases 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has up scaled surveillance with a rise in leptospirosis cases in the country.

As of 30^th April, the national stats show cases of Leptospirosis have reached 166, compared to the 66 cases reported in early April this year.

The Health Ministry has been working tirelessly to address the increase in cases and therefore advises those who may be affected to seek medical assistance from their health care provider immediately.

The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer and without treatment, recovery may take several months.

The disease is often difficult to diagnose clinically; laboratory support is required. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment with appropriate antibiotics should be initiated as early as possible. Untreated cases can progress to a more severe and potentially fatal stage, therefore prevention is very important. Preventative measures include:

• Controlling the infection source (e.g. rodent control, animal vaccination);
• Interrupting the transmission route (e.g. wearing protective clothing, refrain from contact with infected animals and from swimming in contaminated water, provide clean drinking-water); or
• Preventing infection or disease in the human host (e.g. vaccination, antibiotic prophylaxis, information to doctors, veterinarians, risk groups and the general population).

The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.

The Minister for Health and Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate has called on the people to take extra care and protect themselves from contracting such diseases.

“We have issued advisories on the emergence of diseases within the current conditions. We urge people to be careful and adhere to the advice, and keep themselves safe” Mr Usamate said.

Meanwhile, as Fiji has been experiencing significant flooding around the country, people should remain indoors for protection.

OPEN HEART SURGERY (CABG)

The Ministry of Health, Fiji, wishes to advise that open heart surgery (CABG) will be performed in CWM Hospital ,Suva. Details are as below:

13. CABG from 13.06.2016-25.06.2016

Medical procedures are performed under Joint Venture agreement between the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Sahyadri Speciality Pacific Hospitals Limited (SSPHL) Fiji, estimated cost are as follows:

We wish to advise that the Ministry is willing to accommodate referrals from all General Practitioners, Hospital, health centres and Insurance companies, etc.

For further enquiries please contact the following personnel during official hours from Monday to Thursday 8.00a.m to 4.30 p.m Friday from 8.00a.m to 4.00 p.m:

1. Mrs Manjula W. Lal – Ministry of Health, PH -8905025, 3306177(Ext 340165)

Health Outreach work continues

The Family Health Unit of Ministry of Health & Medical Services is happy to report seven out of eight mobile outreach clinic teams are in operation. The mobile clinics are inclusive of all family health services including nutrition and psychological support.

This initiative sparked after TC Winston to provide health care in hard-to-reach affected areas between the coast, islands and highlands. At the moment there are teams in Ra, Ba, Nabouwalu, Savusavu, Taveuni, Levuka, and Vanuabalavu.

“Despite the challenges in accommodation and difficulties in access for some areas, outreach teams are still in high spirits in providing outreach services”, National Advisor for Family Health, Dr Torika Tamani said.

Each team includes a doctor or nurse practitioner, midwife, IMCI (integrated management of childhood illness) and MCH (maternal and child health) nurse, dietician, and mental health support officer.

In addition to medical services, outreach teams have delivered seeds, toothbrush kits, and appropriate counselling services to sites.

Those in need of services in the select subdivisions are encouraged to connect with mobile clinic outreach teams.

Media training on health issues 

The Minister of Health and Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate has called on the media organizations to collectively work with the Health Ministry in disseminating much needed information to the people.

This was revealed as he addressed the participants at the media workshop at the Pearl Resort last week.

Mr Usamate said a major challenge of the Ministry is to maintain the healthy status of the people, and asked the media to assist in raising health awareness.

“Our vision for the Ministry, “A Healthy Population” will not be an easy task to achieve, and this is where you come in. We need your support to educate the public on healthy lifestyles and we can achieve this through our collaborative efforts”, said Mr Usamate.

Mr Usamate thanked the participants for availing themselves for the workshop with a view to work closely to improve the health of the people of Fiji.

More people booked for tobacco offences

The Tobacco Control Enforcement Unit (TCEU) of the Ministry of Health has registered a rise in the illegal sale and use of tobacco products.

As of the 31^st of March this year, 35 people have been booked, while 162 people were prosecuted for similar offences last year.

The majority of offences included smoking in public places and the sale of single cigarette rolls. Meanwhile the while tobacco retailer licensees are being monitored regularly.

The tobacco control enforcement officers will be making spot checks to monitor the illegal sale and use of tobacco products so people should be mindful of the consequences if found guilty.

The Minister for Health and Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate said that the Ministry will not tolerate such offences, and offenders will be taken to task.

“Tobacco smoking remains one of the highest risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, etc. and we advise people to quit this deadly habit so we can breathe clean and fresh air”, Mr Usamate said.

Listed below are the offences and penalties of sale and consumption of Tobacco products.

• Smoking in prohibited public places – Spot fine $200
• Sale of loose cigarette rolls – Spot fine $1000
• Failure by owner to display “no sale of cigarette to under 18” – spot fine $1000
• Failure by owner to display “no-smoking ” – spot fine $1000
• Failure by owner or person-incharge to prevent public from smoking in prohibited public places – Spot fine $1000.

The Tobacco are currently working in the western division after monitoring the central and eastern division.

Meanwhile a high turnout is expected at the proposed World No Tobacco Day celebration which will be held on the 31^st of May in the northern division.