Fiji is going through the test of times and nurses have been our unsung heroes - Waqainabete

Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says Fiji is going through the test of times and nurses have been our unsung heroes.

In his message for International Nurses Day, Dr. Waqainabete says that Fiji has close to 3,200 midwives, nurse practitioners and registered nurses.

The Minister further says it is a thankless job and their contribution towards the well-being of the nation can never be truly measured.

He adds they have seen firsthand how the nurses, together with other health practitioners, have sacrificed their personal and family time and have worked long hours to respond to COVID-19.

Dr. Waqainabete says they always put others before themselves.

He adds with the ongoing response to COVID-19, Fijian nurses continue to play a crucial role in operating fever clinics and mobile fever clinics, taking care of those who tested positive and are in isolation facilities, and constantly checking those who were in self quarantine.

The Minster also says nurses play a vital role in ensuring Fijians get the quickest medical care in times of any illnesses, disease outbreaks or other health-related issues adding in most cases, especially in rural and maritime areas, nurses are the first and only point of care for Fijians.