Immediate Action Required for Slow ED Renovation and TB Ward Expansion: Wale

The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has called for an immediate acceleration of the ongoing renovation of the emergency department at the National Referral Hospital.

The renovation, which was originally scheduled to be completed within four weeks, ahead of the Pacific Games, remains unfinished. Consequently, this has led to people sleeping on the floors due to the Emergency Department operating below its full capacity.

“This is totally unacceptable. Government cannot just simply standby while the sick are sleeping on the floor. Relevant authorities must get their act together and ensure that the work gets completed soon,” Hon. Wale asserted.

Hon. Wale also highlighted the critical need for more beds in the TB ward.

Reports from the NRH state that people who test positive for TB usually wait near the Emergency department for up to 4-5 days because of the lack of beds in the TB ward.

“Government must also not ignore this. More beds must be provided for the TB ward. This current situation puts the lives of our hardworking healthcare workers and others nearby at risk of catching TB” Hon. Wale said.

Hon. Wale proposed that a strategic long-term solution for TB treatment should involve relocating the TB ward to a dedicated, isolated facility, separate from the National Referral Hospital.

Hon. Wale concluded that the health of our Nation must always be a priority of Government

“While personal health choices are crucial, it is fundamentally the responsibility of Government to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to its citizens – a duty that has been unfortunately neglected” Hon. Wale concluded.

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