Inoke Moto, of Naila, Bau, Tailevu is grateful his son is alive.
Last Thursday he acknowledged Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for responding to his call for help when his son lay motionless at the Nausori Health Centre.
His son, Ratu Manoa Drugucava, was involved in a fatal road accident at the Nadali bypass on May 16. He was in the same vehicle which claimed the life of Noa Naivakadranu, a cousin.
According to Police reports, Mr Naivakadranu allegedly lost control of the car he was driving, causing it to veer off the road and hit a culvert.
During a talanoa session at the Queen Victoria School after the commissioning of the new three-storey building, an emotional Mr Moto said if it wasn’t for the Prime Minister’s prompt response, his son would not be around.
An emotional Inoke Moto during Thursday’s talanoa session at Queen Victoria School, Matavatucou. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister
“He had a 30 per cent chance of survival. I was on my knees that day praying, numb and heartbroken. My cries filled the Nausori Health Centre, I didn’t care – I was just determined to see my son alive.”
Fateful Saturday
On that fateful Saturday, Mr Moto had farewelled his son at Nausori Town. Ratu Manoa had asked for $10 to get a hair cut.
Twenty minutes later, driving back to Naila Village, Mr Moto noticed a crowd on the side of the road along the Nadali bypass.
He remarked to his nephew, ‘this could be the first road fatality for the new bypass.’
As he slowed down to have a look at the accident scene, he was told by relatives that his son had been taken to the Nausori Health Centre.
“Twenty minutes was all it took – when I said goodbye to Manoa and to later see his life slowly pass away before my very eyes.”
Call for help
At the Nausori Health Centre, no ambulance was available to transport his son to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva.
Mr Moto, a retired soldier, reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office without hesitation.
“I was given Mr Bainimarama’s number and after two rings he answered. In between tears I informed him of the situation. He said he would get back to me. He did and said an ambulance was on the way.
“I know if it wasn’t for his help, my son would no longer be alive.”
Relevant authorities were also alerted to allow for a quick emergency transfer to Suva.
Mr Moto recommended that those in positions of leadership take their cue from the example set by the Prime Minister in his timely response.
Need for overseas treatment
Ratu Manoa is still admitted at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Ratu Manoa Drugucava at the Colonial
War Memorial Hospital in Suva.
He was discharged twice. But on both occasions, was rushed back to hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing.
“The doctor looking after him at CWM Hospital told me that they’ve done all they can for my son, given the capabilities at the CWM Hospital. Now they’ve recommended medical treatment in New Zealand,” Mr Moto said.
Ratu Manoa was part of the winning QVS under-16 rugby side last year. He was also part of the under-16 Fiji Rugby Development squad. His favourite subject is Maths. His parents are hopeful that one day soon, Ratu Manoa will return to Matavatucou to complete his studies.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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