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12 March, 2026, 7:45 pm
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When 2019/2020 budget was done no one predicted that we would have COVID-19 - Waqainabete
Nawaikula says Health Minister did not do anything to address COVID-19

When 2019/2020 budget was done no one predicted that we would have COVID-19 - Waqainabete

Nawaikula says Health Minister did not do anything to address COVID-19

By Vijay Narayan , Naveel Krishant
26/03/2020
Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete and SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula

Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says that when the 2019/2020 budget was done, no one predicted that we would have COVID-19 as SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula attacked Dr. Waqainabete by saying that the Minister did not do anything to address COVID-19.

Dr.Waqainabete says if they knew they would have put aside appropriations.

Dr. Waqainabete says that this was unacceptable as the sons and daughters of this country have been working on this for the last 5 months. He says this is despicable.

Meanwhile, Nawaikula says you cannot just table the Supplementary Budget and expect to debate and pass the budget tomorrow.

Nawaikula says the government is trying to suspend several Standing Orders to push through the Supplementary Budget.

Nawaikula also attacked Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete saying that he has done nothing for COVID-19.

COVID-19 RESPONSE BUDGET ESTIMATE 2019-2020
http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-RESPONSE-BUDGET-ESTIMATE-2019-2020.pdf

ECONOMIC AND FISCAL UPDATE SUPPLEMENT TO THE COVID-19 RESPONSE BUDGET ADDRESS
http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SUPPLEMENT-TO-THE-COVID-19-RESPONSE-BUDGET-ADDRESS.pdf

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