An i-Kiribati man is being treated in a Fiji hospital under Covid-19 quarantine protocols.
Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva Photo: The Electives Network
The Kiribati national was flown to Nadi from Tarawa on an Air New Zealand Defence Force plane last week.
Fiji's Health Ministry said the i-Kiribati man was injured while working on a fishing boat.
The ministry said the patient was undergoing treatment under strict Covid-19 protocols.
Permanent secretary Dr James Fong told the Fiji Times newspaper that in line with the ministry's infection control protocols, "the man was securely and hygienically transported to Suva's CWM Hospital where he is undergoing treatment in quarantine conditions".
Fong said the ministry had enforced specific, proven procedures to ensure this type of medical treatment could take place in Fiji - a first - under the same strict quarantine conditions the country has "consistently and successfully enforced at our border".
He said the ministry had also ensured that quarantine conditions were maintained for the New Zealand flight crew while they were in Fiji.
Fong gave credit to the rescue operation for probably saving the man's life.
"Thanks to the enforcement of our infection control protocols, we can assure the Fijian public that their lives and well-being are not at risk," he said.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Health, James Fong Photo: Fiji Govt