1 week Ago By Rakesh Kumar
Navua Hospital has been without piped water for the past seven days and patients and visitors have been using the nearby surroundings and bushes to relieve themselves. The sinks and toilets are clogged, creating a stench and unhygienic situation that has residents concerned. A team from The Fiji Times met people visiting loved ones who related how they had to fork out for drinking water for loved ones admitted at the beleaguered hospital.
Outpatients said the toilets had not been flushed for days and were filthy, and smelly. “The problem is getting worse as the water cut continues,” said a staff member who chose to remain unnamed. “For the toilet, I just go behind the buildings.
“It’s getting difficult for the staff and the patients as this place is now a breeding ground for germs.” Keresi Nasoni, 59, who brought her granddaughter to the hospital for treatment, said water cuts at the hospital was an ongoing problem and an added burden on patients and families. Patient Shalendra Maharaj said the situation was pathetic.
“I went to the toilet but had to run away from there,” Mr Maharaj said. “It is so filthy and smelly. “This is an essential service, and patients spend long hours here.
Water should be running in the hospital 24/7.” Another young mother, Olly, whose young son was sick, said authorities do not seem bothered to resolve such an important and long-standing issue. “This should be a priority because it puts us at risk,” she said.
Questions sent to the Ministry of Health remained unanswered..
