64-year-old Emele Taoba of Narere, Nasinu was all smiles at the official opening of the Makoi Maternity Unit this morning as her daughter will not need to travel to the CWM Hospital.
The mother of six told Fijivillage that they used to pay close to $30 return taxi fare to travel to the CWM Hospital but this now will be a thing of the past.
Taoba says her youngest daughter is six months pregnant and has told her that she is very lucky as she may deliver her baby in the new facility in Makoi.
Taoba who runs a canteen from her Narere home has thanked government for this initiative as it will bring relief to a number of expecting mothers in Nasinu who no longer will have to travel to Suva.
The Makoi Maternity Unit is worth 6.83 million dollars and the facility has $300,000 worth of modern equipment which will take care of maternal health care service.
The project was fully funded by the government and was opened this morning by Health Minister, Rosy Akbar.
The 16 bed Makoi Maternity Unit has three labour wards and is for low risk expecting mothers and experienced mid wives will be in charge.
It has been confirmed that the Makoi Maternity Unit is currently providing clinic services to mothers and is operating from 8am to 4.30pm.
The birthing service at the Makoi Maternity Unit is expected to start in June this year which will run 24/7.
