Rabi medical clinic a success, says Dr Vulibeci

[Stacey King]

Fiji Sun Online - 19 July 2010

More than 400 people on Rabi Island were given free medical check-up by a Labasa team of doctors and health practitioners.

The 12 member team which carried out a four-day outreach programme returned to Labasa in the weekend.

Labasa Hospital medical superintendent, Doctor Jiaoji Vulibeci said this was first time they reached out to the people of Rabi Island and it was a success.

“It was a very busy outreach programme as people from near by islands also travelled to have access to medical treatment,” Doctor Vulibeci said.

He said people on the island requested them to stay a few more days but they could not.

“We carried out surgeries until 11pm on Friday night and collected specimens of patients who showed some signs of tuberculosis,” said Doctor Vulibeci.

He said at the moment he cannot confirm the exact number of patients with TB.

“We have to carry out the tests and those with confirmed TB will be brought to Labasa Hospital for immediate treatment,” Doctor Vulibeci said.

He said TB is an air-borne disease and it can be spread by TB carriers through coughing.

“During my stay in the Island I have found out that more than three families live under one roof and often sleep in one big spacious room,” said Doctor Vulibeci.

He said family members sleeping in one open space room is not good for health and thus increasing the chance of spreading TB.

[Biara Touakin]

Are there any chances of reducing TB on Rabi?