Adi Tanai Ragogaca’s story is similar to those of many women living in remote rural and maritime areas across the country.
She has to leave her home every time she is about to give birth because her village in Wainimala, Naitasiri, is too far from a hospital or health centre.
Ms Ragogaca, who is expecting her second baby, hoped that the 2020-2021 budget would prioritise access to healthcare services for vulnerable people in society, especially pregnant women who lived in rural and remote areas.
Because of her condition, she relocated to an aunt’s place at Lakena No.2, Nausori, because she is counting down to her delivery date.
Ms Ragogaca said the cost of baby kits and baby formula was out of reach of ordinary Fijians and this was something Government must look into.
She said most families in Fiji were struggling to put food on the table because of job losses caused by COVID-19 and Government should not ignore how the cost of basic food items were impacting what people were able to eat at home.
Ms Ragogaca said the delivery of effective health services in rural communities was also a concern.
She said the cost of travelling and expenses associated with accessing health services was an ongoing concern for those who lived in remote places.
The mother of one said she, like most Fijian women, was hopeful Government would continue to look into the wellbeing of its people.
