Praneeta Prakash 
[Photo: Supplied: Ministry of Health & Medical services]
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu has directed senior health managers to immediately improve response times and clear administrative backlogs across the Ministry.
Speaking at the opening of the fourth National Health Executive Committee Meeting this morning, Dr Lalabalavu raised concerns about prolonged delays in responding to parliamentary questions, media inquiries and requests from the public.
The meeting was held at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services conference room.
Dr Lalabalavu says delays in providing information for ministerial and parliamentary responses undermine transparency and hinder legislative processes.
He says parliamentary questions must be treated as a priority by senior managers.
The Minister also stressed the importance of responding promptly to media inquiries, saying timely access to verified information helps journalists report accurately and reduces the risk of misinformation and public speculation.
He adds that members of the public seeking assistance, lodging complaints or requesting medical updates deserve timely responses and proper resolutions.
Under the newly launched National Health Strategic Plan, the Ministry is strengthening accountability and shifting its focus from planning to operational delivery.
Senior managers have been instructed to lead by example, remove administrative bottlenecks and establish internal standard operating procedures to ensure faster feedback.
He says there is no room for delayed feedback when the welfare of the public and access to information are at stake.
