A resident from Raiwaqa has expressed concern at the time taken to consult a doctor at Suva's Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Devika Sharma who lives a few doors away from the Raiwaqa Health Centre said that she was transferred to CWM to get an x-ray on her hips as she was experiencing pain but had to wait for seven hours despite having a referral letter.

When questioned by Fijivillage, Sharma said that she came to CWM at 8 in the morning and saw the Doctor after 3.30 in the afternoon as there were only two doctors on call to see the over 100 patients.

Nurses on duty said they were surprised with the number of people that came to see the Doctors after the festive weekend and were trying their best to cater for the hundreds despite being short staffed.

Fijivillage had earlier in the year being informed by the management at CWM and the Ministry of Health that Doctor shortage was a problem and that they were looking into it.