Cabinet approves drafting of Child Welfare Decree

Cabinet has approved the drafting of a Child Welfare Decree.

The decision was based on submissions by Minister for Health, Doctor Neil Sharma who said that over the past five years Fiji has recorded increasing numbers of child welfare litigations ranging from cases of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and even death.

He said that the medical professionals are often the first line professionals to handle such cases and are duty bound to report it to police.

Dr. Sharma said the decree will ensure mandatory reporting of cases of breach of safety and health and welfare of children by medical professionals.