MHMS FIJI

Tag Public Notices

MINISTRY CONFIRMS TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF X-RAY SERVICES AT CWMH OVER THE WEEKEND

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 11 | 09 February 2026.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirms that routine X-ray services at CWM Hospital were temporarily affected over the weekend. Patients presenting during this period continued to be clinically assessed and managed by the treating teams and the hospital implemented interim measures while services were being restored.

The Ministry has commenced a review to establish the circumstances surrounding the interruption and to ensure continuous coverage of essential diagnostic services. We wish to reassure the public that patient safety remains our highest priority and essential services at CWM Hospital continue to operate.

ENDS

PUBLIC WEATHER & HEALTH ADVISORY: PROLONGED HOT & HUMID CONDITIONS ACROSS FIJI

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 10 | 09 February 2026.

As hot, humid, and wet weather is forecasted for the Fiji Group over the next few months, this advisory provides essential information on current conditions and proactive measures to protect your health and safety.

The combination of high heat and humidity significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and other health concerns.

People most at Risk where extra care should be taken

  1. Babies and young children.
  2. Pregnant women
  3. Elderly people
  4. People with heart, lung or chronic medical illnesses.
  5. People working or exercising outdoors like farmers, construction workers and school children.

Know the Signs: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Immediate recognition and response are critical.

Heat Exhaustion (Act Immediately)

  1. Signs: Heavy sweating; weakness or dizziness; cold, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps.
  2. Action: Move to a cool place. Loosen clothing. Sip water slowly. Use cool, wet cloths on the body. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency – Call for Help!)

  1. Signs: High body temperature (39.4°C /103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; rapid, strong pulse; confusion; unconsciousness.
  2. Action: Call emergency services on 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Use cool cloths or a cool bath to lower the temperature. Do not give them anything to drink.

How to protect yourself

  1. Drink water often: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and too much coffee/caffeine, which causes dehydration. During extreme heat exposure, drink about 1 litre of water every 2 hours.
  2. Avoid the midday Sun. Limit outdoor activity, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
  3. Keep Cool: Use fans or air conditioning. Take cool showers.
  4. Dress for the weather: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  5. Never Leave Anyone in a Parked car: Car interiors can become lethal ovens within minutes.

Advice For Parents & Guardians

  1. Extra Vigilance: Check children regularly for signs of overheating, as they may not recognise the symptoms in themselves.
  2. Schedule: Plan outdoor play for early morning or late afternoon.
  3. Hydration Reminders: Encourage children to drink water regularly.

Sun & Insect Protection

  1. Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 35+) generously and reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. Protect lips, ears, and feet.
  2. Prevent Bug Bites: Use insect repellent (containing DEET is recommended).
  3. Eliminate Breeding Sites: Regularly empty, clean, or cover containers that hold standing water around your home to disrupt mosquito breeding.

During Thunderstorms & Heavy Rain

  1. Seek proper shelter
  2. Do not walk or drive through floodwater
  3. Stay Informed: Follow official weather updates and advisories from the Fiji Meteorological Service.

Important Contacts

  1. Emergency Services: 911
  2. Fiji Meteorological Service: Follow for official forecasts and warnings.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. By taking these proactive steps, we can all stay safe and healthy during this prolonged period of hot and humid weather.

This advisory is based on information from the Fiji Meteorological Service and global health authorities. Conditions may change; please follow the latest official updates.

ENDS.

DELAY IN SERVICES TO BE EXPECTED AT CWMH

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 9 | 08 February 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services advises members of the public that delays in healthcare services are expected at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) effective today.

The following areas and services are affected:

  • Special Outpatients Department (SOPD) Dressing Room;
  • Blood Testing Services (Phlebotomy Room);
  • Echo Services at the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory;
  • Operating Theatre and Support areas;
  • Medical Bay Waiting Area;

The disruption is due to water overflowing into the ceiling following the recent heavy downpour.

Contractors and the CWMH maintenance team are currently assessing the situation and carrying out repair and cleaning works in the affected areas.

The Ministry apologises for any inconvenience caused and aims to restore normal services as soon as possible.

ENDS

MINISTRY CLARIFIES STANCE ON OVERTIME PAYMENTS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 8 | 31 January 2026.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has noted the circulation on social media of an internal circular from CWM Hospital relating to overtime payments for medical staff.

The Ministry wishes to clarify that a senior management meeting was held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to address concerns on over-expenditure of overtime recorded during the past six (6) months. The discussion focused on improving oversight, coordination, and budgetary control.

It was agreed that overtime approvals would be centralised through the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, with Cost Centre Heads responsible for submitting requests under established procedures.

This approach is intended to strengthen financial governance, ensure accountability for public funds, and support sustainable management of the Ministry’s allocated budget.

ENDS

MINISTRY RESPONDS TO MISINFORMATION ON NIPAH VIRUS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 7 | 30 January 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to assure members of the public that Fiji is currently safe from the Nipah Virus.

According to a statement on January 27th by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, two (2) cases of Nipah Virus disease have been reported in West Bengal from December last year to date, while196 people who were in contact with the confirmed cases have been identified,  monitored and tested, with all remaining without symptoms and testing negative.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in India, Nipah Virus outbreaks have occurred multiple times since 2001 with outbreaks in West Bengal State in 2001 and 2007, and in Kerala State regularly since 2018.

In West Bengal, previous outbreaks occurred in 2001 (Siliguri) and 2007 (Nadia district). These districts are directly adjacent to Bangladesh, where near-annual Nipah outbreaks are reported, and share similar ecological conditions, including fruit bat populations.

At this time, there have been no cases of Nipah Virus linked to this year’s Indian outbreak reported in other countries. China has not reported cases this year.

Nipah Virus is spread from infected animals to humans and through contaminated food. Human to human transmission, through contact with an infected person or their body fluids is also possible, but less common.

Symptoms of infection range from no symptoms to body aches, headaches, vomiting, sore throat and fever. Serious complications included pneumonia, and encephalitis. Case fatality rate (the proportion of people who died from the disease among all people diagnosed with the disease over a period of time) is estimated at 40-75%.

The Ministry has assessed the evidence and in consultation with the WHO, advises that the risk to Fiji from the current Nipah Virus outbreak, consisting of 2 cases in West Bengal India, is low. However, it is advised that people who have recently travelled to West Bengal immediately seek medical attention should any symptoms develop. 

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation, as it does with other outbreaks around the world and will work with WHO and other reputable partners in assessing potential global threats to public health. Should there be a change in the situation that increases the risk to Fiji, the people of Fiji will be informed. 

ENDS