6 Dec 2017

Fiji hospital clinics suspended after fire

3:39 pm on 6 December 2017

Fiji's Ministry of Health says outpatient and x-ray services have been temporarily suspended after yesterday's fire at Lautoka Hospital.

The fire at Lautoka Hospital

The fire at Lautoka Hospital Photo: Facebook

It said the fire was thought to have started in the hospital's old operating theatre early yesterday morning and was contained after two hours.

The Ministry said it was taking steps to ensure essential services are maintained but is asking the public to avoid Lautoka Hospital for non emergency cases and to use local health clinics if possible.

Permanent Secretary, Philip Davies, said he was grateful to Lautoka Hospital staff for ensuring the safety of patients.

He called on the local community to continue supporting the staff.

Fiji's Fire chief says 157 people needed to be evacuated because of the fire.