A submission for additional funding to replace worn out equipment in Fiji's main hospitals is being discussed in cabinet today.
The hospitals, including Lautoka and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva are currently facing a crisis with the break down of apparatus including CT scanners, X-ray machines and surgical instruments.
The Acting interim Health Minister Timoci Natuva this morning tabled a paper to cabinet in in hope of procuring funding.
The Health Ministry's Acting Permanent Secretary, Doctor Tamaima Tuiketei, says replacement parts are expensive.
"Because it has an x number of years lifespan and if it's not replaced, it will break down and will require replacement of specific parts. And it will hamper the delivery of services, which is currently scaled down until these are replaced."
Doctor Tamaima Tuiketei says the ongoing breakdown of equipment is posing a risk to patients with treatment being delayed.