MLC Veivueti in Yasawa to Administer Vaccinations
Medical Landing Craft (MLC) Veivueti is in the Yasawa group of islands in the Western Division this week to vaccinate students.
This is its third trip following its commissioning by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in May this year.
Government Shipping Services Radio operator Kaiava Mate said the vessel was in the Yasawas administering Meningococcal vaccination to children under 19-years.
MLC Veivueti’s maiden trip was to Gau in the Lomaiviti Group followed by the Lau group.
To date medical officers on board have vaccinated more than 2000 children.
“More than 2000 children are already vaccinated by the medical personnels on board,” Mr Mate said.
He said for Lau the vessel had administered vaccinations to 60 per cent of those that need to be vaccinated. This included those from 1 year old to 19 year-olds.
“The vessel’s second voyage was to Lau group Matuku, Totoya, Vatoa, Ono-I-Lau, Oneata, Kabara, Fulaga, Vanuavatu, Nayau and Cicia.
“It left for its third voyage on October 15 for the Yasawas and is expected back on Saturday, October 20”.
Veivueti, apart from providing medical services to patients in the maritime islands, will also provide support during disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
The $8m medical vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art apparatuses like ventilator machines and medical lasers to treat serious eye complications.
Veivueti in the iTaukei language means to help someone in a time of need.
The vessel was designed by United Ship Design of Malaysia.
The medical landing craft is specifically designed and built to provide both primary and secondary medical services and rapid response to emergencies.
