CSO opens clinic for assault survivors
SEXUAL assault survivors in the Western Division now have access to a safe and specialised environment to access medical care through Medical Services Pacific (MSP).
The civil society organisation opened a new clinic in Lautoka where survivors could seek sexual reproductive care and counselling services through funding provided by the European Union.
MSP country director Ashna Shaleen said the Lautoka office was the third facility opened by the organisation.
“We have a clinic in Labasa, in Suva and now in Lautoka which allows us to offer our services on a national scale,” she said.
“It is funded by the European Union, designed to address the EU’s instrument for democracy and rights.
“The project has a multi-sectorial team consisting of medical staff, psychosocial counsellors and the legal division.
“We have a team of seven who are equipped to provide post-rape services and sexual reproductive health both at the clinic as well as mobile.”
While opening the new clinic, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said the work of MSP must be commended for providing a safe area and services that could be accessed by the vulnerable.
“This is an organisation that supports the work of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” he said.
“In fact, some of their staff have been embedded into our field work in some of the work that we have done in the past.
“We know that when people suffer from sexual gender-based violence, there is a need for support and that support that needs to be holistic.
“It is not entirely within the Ministry of Health facilities and this is where CSOs such as MSP can support us.”