MAKOGAI LEPROSY HOSPITAL?

Then:

A leprosarium was established on Makogai Island in 1911 to service the Pacific Islands.

It was run by a French order of Nuns, the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.

The Makogai Leprosy Hospital was officially opened on November 29, 1911. About 20 patients arrived on the island on board the Government kech, Ramadi.

By 1918, there were over 300 patients. Numbers were augmented in 1925 by the transfer of the residents from a leprosy settlement on Quail Island, New Zealand.

There was strict segregation between living quarters of staff and patients. Patients were further grouped by nationality and gender. Patients were responsible for constructing their own buildings and farming. The nuns provided nursing and facilities, including schooling, sports, postal and banking services, film screenings, and a photographic dark room.

It was not until 1948 that effective drugs became available; patients were effectively treated and sent back home to their friends and families.

1241 died due to the direct effects and complications of leprosy and are buried at a cemetery on the island.

Now:

In 1969, the last patients with Leprosy left Makogai for Fiji’s purpose built Twomey Hospital in Tamavua, Suva.

With their departure, the days of the Makogai Leprosy Hospital came to an end.

Some of the old structures remain as if the Leprosarium was still in operation, while others are mere shells hidden under vines and other foliage.

Only the steps of the old hospital show where the central building once stood. The concrete foundations are still intact for four-dorm blocks believed to have been the Chinese or Indian quarters – these are within walking distance from the hospital site.

At the ‘clean’ end of the island, an approximately 20 minutes walk along the coastline, you can wander among the old staff quarters. Today, the houses are home to Government Fisheries officers and their families.

In 2011, Makogai officially became a Mariculture Centre.

The Twomey Hospital remains the central leprosy and TB hospital in Fiji and is now run by the Ministry of Health.

NOW... Some of the ruins that remain on Makogai Island from the leper colony. Photo: Fiji Shores & Marinas

THEN... The Missionary Sisters with the patients from the Makogai Leprosy Hospital. Photos: Fiji Museum

Jennis Naidu Digital Journalist jennis.naidu@fijisun.com.fj

THEN... The Makogai Leprosy Hospital and the patients on the stairs.