Low numbers of medical imaging technologists are affecting x-ray services at hospitals, especially at the CWM Hospital.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu after concerns were raised by some patients who went to the CWM Hospital for tests and x-rays and were reportedly told to return home because radiography staff were not available.
Dr Lalabalavu says radiography services are looked after by radiologists and medical imaging technologists.
He says medical imaging technologists are a cadre within the Ministry of Health that is low in numbers.
Dr Lalabalavu says services will definitely be affected when there are low staff numbers, adding that the delivery of services also depends on how staff are rostered at hospitals.
When questioned about concerns raised by the Fiji Medical Association President Ronal Kumar that radiography staff were not available because of issues relating to overtime payments, Dr Lalabalavu says the Ministry had issues with this in the last financial year.
However, he says the Ministry has prioritised overtime payments because if work is done, staff must be paid accordingly.
He says the main issue currently is staff numbers, with fewer people graduating and taking up positions offered by the Ministry.
