Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete [middle[ during his Northern [Source: Fijian Government]

Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the significant salary increase in the past two years has assisted in retaining medical staff.

Dr.Waqainabete toured the health facilities in the Northern division yesterday as part of his first visit after taking up the Health Ministers portfolio.

He visited the Labasa Hospital, Nabouwalu and the Savusavu Health Centres to meet with staff.

Dr.Waqainabete encouraged the staff to build on their professionalism and continue to look at their obligations.

“There has been significant salary increase for the doctors in the last two years and also civil service in the last year and a half year and so those have also helped in retaining staff which is important and so we just need to ensure that moving forward from here that we understand what the plan is of the government of the day.”

Dr Waqainabete also commended the work of health professionals.