Quick, timely action by Police praised
The Fiji Police Force’s initiative in helping a man transport an expectant mother from Nadawa to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital early Monday morning has been applauded.
The young woman gave birth just minutes after reaching the hospital.
At the centre of this is 32-year-old Rupeni Batai.
The young man was sleeping at his home in Tovata, Nasinu when his phone rang midnight on Monday.
It was his sister-in-law. She wanted Mr Batai’s help in transporting her sister, Meresiana Mailalaga from Nadawa.
He agreed to help but realised that the first thing he needed to do was contact the Nasinu Police Station, which he did.
“They gave me a piece of paper and told me that they had contacted the command centre and I could go through,” Mr Batai said.
“I slowed as I approached the checkpoints, but the Police were not stopping me and allowed me through. After I picked up Meresiana from Nadawa, I encountered other checkpoints, but I was ushered through.
“A few minutes after we reached the hospital, she gave birth.”
Mr Batai said he was thankful to the Fiji Police Force. He said communication by Police personnel was excellent in allowing the medical emergency run.
The mother and baby Serupepeli are now resting at their home.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged the quick action and thinking of officers on duty.
“The Fiji Police Force is always there to help members of the public who are in need of such emergency services,” he said.
“We on the ground are well connected and this also shows that there is communication between our officers on the ground and the command centre.”