Late referral of sickness to health professionals, No vaccination main causes of rising death toll

The evidence is clear and health professionals have spoken about it.

People have been warned to contact them as soon as they become sick. Do not leave it too late and patients die from COVID-19 complications.

Many of those who have died had tested positive on their deathbed and were not vaccinated.

Some die at home and others die on the way to hospital. This is a sad and unacceptable state of affairs. We are better than that and our health professionals have gone beyond the call of duty to protect and save lives.

But they are helpless to do anything when we fail to heed their warning.

Anecdotal evidence

There is several anecdotal evidence from surviving victims of the importance of following all the protocols, recognising the symptoms and acting accordingly immediately. Timing is of the essence here. We cannot afford procrastination or delay.

We are dealing with the most contagious and deadly Delta variant of the killer virus

It has been said before and it should be repeated until it sinks into our subconscious that our best defence is listening and following all the protocols, advice and warnings from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Many of these deaths are preventable with early and appropriate intervention. Doctors and nurses can only do so much because they are only humans.

At the moment, they are fully stretched, working long hours at irregular shifts and being away from their families for long periods to maintain an incredible level of service.

We should not take them for granted. Sometimes we expect them to perform miracles. We should support and pray for them. They are doing an awesome job and we should all be proud of them. In many ways they are the unsung heroes of this war against this invisible enemy.

Sometimes it takes one of them to remind us of the important and extremely difficult role they play - like that personal, from-the-heart talk from well known retired doctor Dr Lisi Tikoduadua who served an honourable 40 years in an illustrious career in the civil service.

She has appealed to all Fijians to do the right thing and seriously think of the wider implications of their choice whether to vaccinate or not or follow all the protocols, advice and warning.

She feels for the doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, all hospital workers and other frontline workers like the Police and the military.

If anyone is feeling the full weight of this crisis it is these people who have to endure regular testing and absence from their families. It is a huge sacrifice. Dr Tikoduadua knows. She has had her fair share and admits it’s not easy. She and many Fijians are praying for the safety of the frontliners and their families.

They are putting their lives and the lives of their families at risk. She prays for Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong and the entire ministry staff for the trying time they are facing.

As we go through the rest of the week, let’s remember Dr Tikoduadua’s request discard all the wrong information and perceptions that some may have and support the fight against the virus.

Dr Fong has reiterated that It remains a serious concern that some people with disease come to a medical facility only in the late stages of their illness.

“And we are still sadly seeing people with severe disease die at home or on the way to hospital, before our medical teams have a chance to administer what could potentially be life saving treatment.

“We need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include: Difficulty breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

Severe headache for a few days

New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake; and

Pale, gray, or blue-coloured skin, lips or nail beds.

If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms please go immediately to your nearest medical facility. “

That should not be too hard to follow. Let’s do it to save lives.