Nurse Questioned
A nurse is alleged to have been involved in issuing vaxx cards to unvaccinated people in Labasa.
Anurse in Labasa was questioned by Police for her alleged involvement in issuing vaccination cards to unvaccinated people.
The nurse is alleged to have given 10 vaccination cards to a relative for unvaccinated people, including stamping of vaccination cards to those who were not vaccinated and gave two cards to relatives in Taveuni.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho confirmed that a nurse was questioned this week after allegations surfaced following verification of the vaccination cards.
“A medical staff at Labasa Hospital reported to the Police that there were allegations of vaccination cards being issued by a nurse without people getting vaccinated,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.
“Police have started investigations and we are waiting for the Ministry of Health’s tally of its vaccination vials and record of their vaccination register.
“We have recorded witness statements and once all that is finalised, then we will proceed for caution interviews.”
He said Police awaited critical action and information from the Ministry of Health on tallying the number of vials and the number of vaccination cards issued.
It is understood that there is strong evidence against the nurse.
It is believed that Police have found that the two relatives finally got their vaccine shots in Taveuni and surrendered their fake vaccination cards later.
The report was lodged on September 24, about three weeks ago.
Health Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong also confirmed that Police were investigating the matter.
Dr Fong said the ministry had undertaken an exercise to verify the cards and tally information.
“There has been a big exercise to verify vendors. So, when cards are checked at various places it helps to clean up data,” he said.
Dr Fong said unvaccinated persons were a danger to themselves and to vaccinated persons.
He said this was primarily because they were much more likely to catch the virus – and much more likely to pass it on – than people who have been vaccinated.
In August, it was discovered that vendors in Nausori had bought vaccination cards which were marked with authentic Ministry of Health and Medical Services stamps.
Police questioned the vendors and said there was possible involvement of Ministry of Health personnel.