Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says the lab scientist in Levuka Hospital asked to take leave which they agreed to because there was lessened need for her services at that time.
This was highlighted when the National Federation Party MP, Lenora Qereqeretabua asked Dr Waqainabete to inform the parliament on why there was no laboratory technician at the Levuka Hospital for at least two months.
Dr Waqainabete says they provided the means to mitigate the need for emergency blood services.
SODELPA MP, Ro Filipe Tuisawau then asked Dr Waqainabete to advise parliament on the steps taken in terms of human resource planning for training to ensure that such incidences can be avoided in future in terms of lab technician training and other training involving medical personnel and scholarships.
Dr Waqainabete says during the last one year six months, they have had more than 12 new positions of lab technicians.
