Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete while speaking to nurse practitioners at a capacity building symposium in Pacific Harbour.

Sending senior nurses and nurse practitioners to outer islands is not a reward for their service.

These are the sentiments of Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete while speaking to nurse practitioners at a capacity building symposium in Pacific Harbour.

Dr Waqainabete says most nurse practitioners are stationed in outer islands but this should not be the case.

He adds that young doctors should be sent to rural and maritime communities.

The Health Minister also highlighted that he wants nurse practitioners to be based in specialized areas within the Ministry.

“I want you in specialized areas, I don’t want you in the bush anymore. Because your role is very important in working with the specialists in the specialized areas in carrying out the important work and the roles that they play. And the backbone of that will be nurse practitioners.”

Five nurse practitioners have been identified to work at the CWM emergency department.