Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/09/2025 01:01
IMPROVED HEALTH ACCESS FOR UDU, DOGOTUKI...
Lagi, Macuata - Fijians living in the districts of Udu, Dogotuki, and Tawake in Vanua Levu will now have improved access to essential health services following the handover of a much-needed fibreglass boat to the Lagi Health Centre, which currently serves close to 3,000 people across the upper northern coastline and nearby maritime areas.
While delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Fiji, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, highlighted the crucial role Lagi Health Centre has played since its establishment in 2015.
He commended health workers for their continued dedication in serving remote communities, describing their service as "no small task."
"We are here not just to hand over a boat, but to reaffirm the coalition government's promise that no Fijian, no matter how far they live from our towns and cities, should ever be left behind when it comes to health and wellbeing," Minister Bulitavu said.
The Minister explained that the new vessel represents more than just transport, it demonstrates investment that meets the needs for timely access to essential care.
"For a mother in labour in Nukudamu, it means timely access to care. For a child in Vunikodi who needs urgent treatment, it means safe and fast referral. For communities across Udu and Dogotuki, it means vaccines, medicines, and health workers can reach you, even when the seas are rough or the roads are long. This is what accessibility looks like," he said.
Hon. Bulitavu reaffirmed the Coalition Government's commitment to strengthening rural and maritime health services, acknowledging that challenges of distance and isolation cannot be solved overnight but that step by step, progress is being made.
He also underscored the responsibility that comes with this provision:
"This boat must first and always serve the purpose for which it is given. Emergencies, maternal and child health, and essential outreach services must take priority. I call on our health staff to use it with care and integrity, and I call on the community to safeguard and support its upkeep."
Concluding his remarks, the Minister officially handed over the keys and documents of the vessel to the health team, describing it as a symbol of partnership between government and the people.
"The safety of your children, and the wellbeing of your communities, is what this Government stands to serve. I trust this vessel will deliver vital health services, save lives, and strengthen the bond between the health centre and the people it serves."
To read his address, please click on;
https://bit.ly/3JRr308
While delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Fiji, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, highlighted the crucial role Lagi Health Centre has played since its establishment in 2015.
He commended health workers for their continued dedication in serving remote communities, describing their service as "no small task."
"We are here not just to hand over a boat, but to reaffirm the coalition government's promise that no Fijian, no matter how far they live from our towns and cities, should ever be left behind when it comes to health and wellbeing," Minister Bulitavu said.
The Minister explained that the new vessel represents more than just transport, it demonstrates investment that meets the needs for timely access to essential care.
"For a mother in labour in Nukudamu, it means timely access to care. For a child in Vunikodi who needs urgent treatment, it means safe and fast referral. For communities across Udu and Dogotuki, it means vaccines, medicines, and health workers can reach you, even when the seas are rough or the roads are long. This is what accessibility looks like," he said.
Hon. Bulitavu reaffirmed the Coalition Government's commitment to strengthening rural and maritime health services, acknowledging that challenges of distance and isolation cannot be solved overnight but that step by step, progress is being made.
He also underscored the responsibility that comes with this provision:
"This boat must first and always serve the purpose for which it is given. Emergencies, maternal and child health, and essential outreach services must take priority. I call on our health staff to use it with care and integrity, and I call on the community to safeguard and support its upkeep."
Concluding his remarks, the Minister officially handed over the keys and documents of the vessel to the health team, describing it as a symbol of partnership between government and the people.
"The safety of your children, and the wellbeing of your communities, is what this Government stands to serve. I trust this vessel will deliver vital health services, save lives, and strengthen the bond between the health centre and the people it serves."
To read his address, please click on;
https://bit.ly/3JRr308
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