Society helps clear backlog

THE Fiji Cancer Society gave $10,000 to the Health Ministry, and this enabled doctors to perform 36 surgical procedures at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

This, according to society chairman and president Makrava Wilson.

“COVID has highlighted the challenges faced by our health professionals,” he said.

“Since December 2020, the society has assisted with the clearance of surgical backlogs at CWM Hospital.

“To date, we have spent $9860 for approximately 36 surgical procedures.”

Mr Wilson said their support services and assistance ranged from transportation (land, sea and air) to ambulance transfers, medication, groceries for the patient, dressing material and palliative home visitations.

He said it also included bra fitting programs for breast cancer warriors and a survivorship program focusing on post-recovery.

The principal medical officer at the CWMH, Dr Kitione Waqanisau, thanked the Fiji Cancer Society for its support.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong said issues with airconditioning units had resulted in four out of the eight operating theatres at the CWM Hospital being non-operational for about six months.

He said electrical systems linked to the airconditioning units needed to be upgraded.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said his team at the CWM Hospital was working round-theclock to address the issue.

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