The healthcare workforce in the country is expected to get a boost following the induction of 345 nurses during the 2026 New Intern Nurses Induction Programme.
Speaking at induction ceremony in Lami, Acting Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. Luisa Cikamatana congratulated the new nurses and described the occasion as a proud milestone for the graduates and their families.
Dr Cikamatana says the graduates have worked hard to reach this stage after years of study, practical training and personal sacrifice.
She highlights that the new nurses were trained at three of Fiji’s leading institutions; Fiji National University, Sangam College of Nursing and University of Fiji; and have successfully passed the examinations of the Fiji Nursing Council.
Dr Cikamatana says the Ministry’s vision is to achieve a healthy population and the role of nurses will be critical in delivering quality healthcare services across the country.
She has reminded them that they are now civil servants and must uphold the trust placed in them by the people by demonstrating integrity, honesty and professionalism in their work.
Dr Cikamatana adds that nurses will serve in hospitals, health centres and remote nursing stations, often becoming the first and most important point of contact with the health system, particularly for rural and maritime communities.
She is encouraging the new nurses to see their first postings, whether in major hospitals or remote islands, not as a hardship but as an opportunity to serve the people who need them most.
Dr Cikamatana further stresses that nursing is not just a profession but a calling built on discipline and compassion, inspired by pioneers such as Florence Nightingale.
She told the graduates that the Ministry looks to them with great hope as they represent the next generation of Fiji’s healthcare workforce and will play a key role in building a stronger and healthier nation.
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