Speaking in Parliament, the Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum [Source: Fijian Government]

The staff of both the Lautoka and Ba Hospital need not worry about their jobs.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum clarified that with Aspen Medical Pty Limited to take over as providers from June, local staffing was one of the issues they ensured was taken care of.

“Now the staff has been given a choice, once the new operator comes in within six months of January of this year, the staff have an option. This concessionaire will actually advertise for positions. The current staff there have the option, they can apply for jobs with them and get a job and be hired by them or should they wish not to join them. Their jobs are secure and they’ll be posted to other public health systems and operations throughout Fiji.”

In addition, he says the Australian medical providers will also enable up-skilling and mentoring of staff with both hospitals to have their teaching facilities upgraded.

Specialist medical treatment – the Minister says will also be rolled out at no additional cost to Fijians including open heart surgery.