14 December, 2025, 9:32 am Central - 27°C Clouds

Govt is drafting plans for revival of medical and hospital services – President
Govt to review media legislation and to soon announce two new holidays

Govt is drafting plans for revival of medical and hospital services – President

Govt to review media legislation and to soon announce two new holidays

By Navitalai Naivalurua
03/02/2023
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says the government is drafting plans for the revival of medical and hospital services by improving and maintaining facilities, services, and skills training in patient care.

While opening the new parliament session this morning, Ratu Wiliame says functional divisional command centres will be strengthened in terms of service delivery and coordination of grassroots health programs.

He says the emphasis will be given to better access to electricity, connectivity and water.

The President says community engagement and ownership are seen as key to attaining better health services coverage.

Ratu Wiliame adds there will be a particular emphasis on improving services at divisional and sub-divisional hospitals.

He says effectively managing the diabetes crisis is a priority of the government, as well as dealing with the prevalence of other non-communicable diseases.

The President says this ailment accounts for 85% of all the deaths in Fiji.

Meanwhile, Ratu Wiliame also stated the media legislation will be reviewed to strengthen freedom of the press and the people’s right to information. He says the Government is taking a strong position on this, along with respect for civil rights and freedoms.

He also stated that an announcement will be made soon of two new public holidays.

The President says this includes a public holiday to commemorate the arrival in Fiji in 1879 of the Girmitiyas whose descendants are an integral part of our nation.

He adds a national holiday marking the life and achievements of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna will be gazetted.

FEATURE NEWS
Low chance of TD03F forming into Tropical Cyclone within 24 to 48 hours
The potential for Tropical Disturbance TD03F to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours is low.The Nadi Weather Office says the...
19 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
NGO Coalition on Human Rights raises serious concerns over Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission process
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) is concerned at the current processes and outcomes unfolding under Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation ...
15 hours ago

People in Northern Division prepare as tropical disturbance nears Fiji
People in the Northern Division are preparing as a tropical disturbance located near the Solomon Islands continues to move closer to Fiji and is ...
17 hours ago

‘Zootopia 2’ crosses US$1 billion globally
“Zootopia 2” is racing past US$1 billion globally after 17 days of release, becoming the fastest PG film to ever cross the coveted box office ...
18 hours ago

Canada reaffirms Pacific commitment with launch of Fiji Assistive Technology Hub
The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific with the launch of Fiji’s National Assistive Technology Hub in Suva.The ...
18 hours ago

SODELPA expresses shock after FICAC charge Tanya Waqanika
The Social Democratic Liberal Party says they are shocked that one of their former party members has been charged by FICAC for allegedly opposing ...
19 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
2 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
2 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
6 days ago

TOP