Extension Street Could be a Bypass: Minister
Extension Street in Suva could soon become a bypass road to ease traffic around the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government have been holding talks.
“Extension Street is a busy street and often congested because of the frequency of vehicles to the CWM Hospital,” he said.
“We have started talks and soon this would take shape. Extension Street would be opened to allow traffic to flow.”
Dr Waqainabete said this would also ease traffic along Waimanu Road as well.
The Ministry of Health is also looking at decentralising a lot of its services as well.
“One of the things we have embarked on is ensuring that there is a far less need for people to come to the CWM Hospital,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“The maternity ward in Makoi, the new Nakasi Health Centre and the upgrade of Valelevu Health Centre ensures less pressure on CWM.
“We also realise that the CWM is old and some portions need repairs, this will also take place.” Dr Waqainabete was also pleased that a local medical professional specialised to deal with MRIs would soon be in Fiji. “That person is due back in Fiji in December after training abroad. The person will be based in Lautoka but will make trips to Suva,” he said. Currently the MRI scans are sent to Australia for interpretation and this adds costs the Ministry of Health.