Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete during his visit to the health centers [Source: Ministry of health & medical services]

Staff shortages and the need for tents to shelter visitors at health centers were a few of the concerns raised by medical officers.

These issues are being faced at the Raiwaqa Health Center, Samabula, Nuffield and Lami respectively.

These concerns were raised with the Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete after he took the time to visit these centers.

Dr Waqainabete says with COVID-19 cases increasing, those of their staff who test positive are isolated for seven days, which has to some extent depleted their manpower.

He adds that they have been able to send more staff to those health centres needing assistance.

“What we’ve done is we’ve used the available young doctors at CWM. They have been mobilized to support them in the Health Centres. So now they have a full cohort back on the ground. “

Despite the shortage of staff, Dr Waqainabete stressed the need for medical staff to deliver quality services to the public at large, especially in light of COVID-19 and following a natural disaster.

Minister for Health&Medical Services @Nadokoulu today visited health centers in the Nasinu Subdivision – Valelevu, Makoi and Nakasi. @Nadokoulu reiterated the need for medical staff to deliver quality services to the public at large. pic.twitter.com/gyBtOZqkNY

— Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services (@MOHFiji) January 10, 2022

Dr Waqainabete says he also met with medical staff in health centers in the Nasinu Medical Subdivision-Valelevu, Makoi, and Nakasi.

In Lautoka Hospital this morning addressed the 50 MBBS graduates or Interns. I stressed that being a Doctor is a privilege and a place of service. We are a team member and our other health, administrative or GWE colleagues must be respected. pic.twitter.com/uQ6ns5oM9a

— Dr I Waqainabete (@Nadokoulu) January 11, 2022

While visiting the Lautoka Hospital today, Dr Waqainabete spoke with medical interns and reminded them about the important role they play in Fiji’s health sector, adding that the young doctors need to have empathy, compassion and attention to detail in whatever medical field they are engaged in.

At Naqalimare Nursing Station we communicated to the Vanua our intention to place a Nurse Practitioner and convert this to a HC. Good to renew maternal ties through Davutukia to Naqalimare also and share a cup of tea with our Community Health Workers. pic.twitter.com/A3GuISFJd9

— Dr I Waqainabete (@Nadokoulu) January 11, 2022