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24 March, 2026, 12:00 am
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We must never be drawn into providing services based on race or religion - Doctor Waqainabete

We must never be drawn into providing services based on race or religion - Doctor Waqainabete

By Vijay Narayan
18/11/2020
Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says every person that comes through the health facilities must be treated like we would treat our own mothers irrespective of who they are and where they come from.

In a message to the 7,000 Health Ministry staff, Doctor Waqainabete says all the people coming to their facilities are our own, they are Fijians and they must be respected.

He says discrimination is a black hole that knows no end.

Doctor Waqainabete says we must not be drawn into providing services based on race or religion, and remain pure in our motives to reach the unreached, and leave no one behind.

He says he is disappointed to see comments before and after Diwali, to divide Fiji ethnically and religiously.

The Health Minister has asked the ministry staff to make compassion for everyone a trait that separates the 7000 staff and the 1600 Community Health Workers from other organizations.

Doctor Waqainabete says he is not asking those to change if they are compassionate and not biased. He says he is asking those who have any prejudices to fear not, step out in faith and love their neighbour as they would love themselves.

He says he personally talks to as many staff as he can because they all matter.

Doctor Waqainabete says as their Minister, he expects the staff to be the same, to value everyone, to dig deep within themselves and nullify any biases immediately.

The Health Minister says that people should not let their purpose be swept aside by their prejudices as we should have none and we are better than that.

He says they have to be colour blind, ethnic blind, religious blind and wealth blind when they are serving anyone visiting the health ministry facilities.

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