When volunteers require treatment beyond the local nursing station/medical centre it is important for leaders to advise the volunteer on the options available to them for their treatment. This is to ensure the volunteer has enough detail to make an informed decision so they are satisfied with the plan of action.
This may only be appropriate for non-emergency situations where forward planning is involved. In an emergency situation, you may need to make fast decisions so this conversation may not be appropriate – use your judgement.
Option A – You should have a ‘standard’ protocol in your village for a frequent facility you normally visit in these circumstances – if so, ensure you share details of this check that the volunteer is happy with this action plan.
Option B – If the volunteer is not happy, you can discuss an alternative, for example visiting a private facility. If you are in Nadi or Suva there are private doctors available. In smaller towns you may not have the option for a private doctor e.g. limited/no options in Rakiraki and Sigatoka. Therefore, unless travelling to Suva already, it is advisable to first be seen in the nearest hospital to your village (at the volunteers discretion). If the doctor believes the volunteer requires private/further medical support then they will be referred to Suva OR if the volunteer is unsatisfied with service further treatment can be sought out.
What happens if given these options a volunteer, let’s say in Ra, asks to visit a private doctor, but therefore TP has to pay for a taxi (and likely overnight) in suva? Does TP only pay for transport to the closest suitable medical facility? If a volunteer has preference to go private they pay? …
Please note, it is Think Pacific’s policy to pay for transport to the closest medical facility capable of providing the services required. If a volunteer asks to see a private doctor in Suva instead of going to a local health centre, we absolutely can facilitate this but the costs would need to be paid by the volunteer.
Public Hospitals
E.g. CWM Hospital / Sigatoka Hospital / Rakiraki Hospital / Nadi Hospital (or smaller clinics)
These are ‘state’ hospitals where treatment may be free, but often has a cost for non residents (see appendix for CWM Suva) – the enforcement of rules is sporadic in Fiji.
In public facilities waiting times may be longer, and conditions not as favourable.
Private Hospitals
E.g. Oceania Pacific Hospital Suva / MIOT Medical Centre Suva / Dr Faizal’s Nadi / Dr. Naidu’s Nadi
Private hospitals/medical facilities are generally reasonably priced, waiting times may be shorter, and conditions more favourable. Please see the associated costs for Suva Private as a guide – this can be found as the first listing in the Appendix of Leader manual.
Generally, medical providers in Fiji do not accept payment from overseas Insurers. It is a ‘Pay & Claim’ process for volunteers who would need funds available for their consultation and treatments. Receipts and doctors notes can then be forwarded to the insurance company to claim the money back. Volunteers are made aware of this pre-departure so should have emergency funds available.
NB: If advised by a Doctor that the case is High Risk, with a threat of Loss of Life, with immediate admittance or treatment required, advise the Project Coordinator and Think Pacific can act as Guarantor / pay initial cost, to be reimbursed by volunteer when available. For non-high risk cases, Think Pacific would require the funds to be available prior to acting as Guarantor or making any payment.