Mortuary issue denies family last goodbyes
BIOSECURITY Authority of Fiji officer Francis Wise had to be buried the day he died on January 15 in Levuka because the mortuary at the hospital was not working.
His brother, Iliesa Wise, recalled the day when the heartbreaking news was relayed to their family that Francis would have to be buried as soon as possible.
“None of his immediate family could make it,” said Mr Wise.
“Since the mortuary was inoperable, the doctor then advised that my brother be buried the same day.
“For us it was a double shock, first that he passed on and then we got told that we won’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to him properly.”
Mr Wise said his brother was buried by relatives on Ovalau.
“Francis was fortunate to have lived in our village in Vagadaci because he worked for Biosecurity serving in the Lomaiviti group.
“So, our cousins in the village organised the funeral.”
Mr Wise said he was saddened by the fact that some were buried without immediate family members around.
“I can’t imagine what would happen to somebody who’s working in Levuka but does not have any relatives there.”
Mr Wise said the Levuka Hospital was in a quite sad state, according to relatives on the island.
“This has been the usual practice in Ovalau for people to be buried the same day.
“While the hospital staff may be doing their best, it’s the hospital resources and facilities that are in dire need of intervention.”
In a statement to this newspaper, Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu called on the people of Ovalau to bear with health officials.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services urges residents of Ovalau to bear with the ministry as we await the investigation report from the National Fire Authority and the police of the fire at the mortuary facility of Levuka Hospital on Thursday, December 14, 2023,” said Dr Tudravu.
“The fire has since stopped the mortuary services at the hospital and the ministry will undertake a technical assessment of the mortuary berths once the investigations have concluded.
“Meanwhile, the Levuka Hospital staff continue to engage with the public on Ovalau on the timely facilitation of the final rites for their deceased relatives.
“The ministry has also commenced on the identification of a suitable alternative temporary site for the mortuary service.
“The hospital continues to operate normally delivering outpatient, inpatient, maternity and dental services to the people of Ovalau.”