The sub-divisional medical officers around the country have confirmed that the number of people visiting hospitals have decreased dramatically since the strike by the nurses.

Senior officials said a lower number of people have visited the Nausori Health Centre as people are now aware that only emergency cases will be seen.

Three nurses and two volunteers including British Army Personnel and a military personnel serving in Iraq are on duty. They are assisting nurses in anyway possible under their supervision.

There were 9 cases of delivery of babies yesterday and also people suffering from general illness, some cases of Trauma and home accidents were also seen. Nurses in Nausori and Wainibokasi Hospitals are working 12 hour shifts from 6am to 6pm.

In Tailevu, there is also very low turnout of patients. Some patients from Dawasamu and Lodoni are now travelling to Tailevu hospital as other health centers and nursing stations remain closed. Twenty nurses from Korovou Rural Hospital and health centre are on strike and only four are on duty.

In Navua, residents from Navua Town, Namosi and Serua villagers are now travelling to Navua hospital as their health centers are closed. Children from birth to five years are mostly treated as they come with illnesses and diarrhea. At an average about 40 people are currently visiting doctors.

In Nadi, six nurses have attended about 30 patients from this morning. These are mainly from other areas of Nadi as Nadi Health Center, Namaka dispensary and Tau Health Center remain closed. There are about 25 patients in the wards of the hospital.

On to Lautoka Hospital, Medical superintendent, Dr. Eloni Tora said due to the reduced services in Lautoka, people are hardly visiting them. He said during normal times about 300 patients used to visit them but now over 60 patients came for their checkups. Dr. Tora said only emergency surgeries are carried out and others have been postponed. Forty seven nurses are on duty at the hospital.

It’s a normal day at Rakiraki hospital as no nurses have gone on strike. All five nurses rostered to work today including 3 members from Fiji Nursing Association are providing normal health services.

In Labasa hospital, services are normal as forty nurses are on duty however only emergency cases are seen. Officials say some health centers like Seaqaqa are operational today.