As the government has already set the wheels in motion by amending the retirement age from 55 to 60 years of age, the Ministry will prioritize the improvement of their 220 health facilities and the associated infrastructure to improve the environment in which health care is delivered to our people.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu made this comment while opening the 64th Fiji Nursing Association Annual General Meeting in Lami.
Lalabalavu says by improving and maintaining the facilities, they also can improve the working environment for their valued medical staff who are sent to these facilities to live, work and serve the people of Fiji.
He says during his 50 days as Minister, he managed to visit more than 50 medical facilities and discovered that except for a few health care facilities that are in good shape, the majority are in a poor state with damaged infrastructure, an insufficient program for maintenance and upkeep and with poor water, hygiene and sanitation facilities.
He adds they will place greater emphasis on providing these facilities with better access to water, sanitation and hygiene, power, and internet connectivity wherever possible, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The Minister says issues will be discussed during the AGM, but the Fiji Nursing Association needs to work together to look for solutions and approach those issues in an inclusive and consultative manner.
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