More than 130,000 social protection beneficiaries across Fiji can now access free support and information through a new national helpline, 1561, launched by the Ministry of Social Protection.
The helpline is expected to make it easier for beneficiaries to access information, raise concerns and seek assistance without having to travel to ministry offices.
Minister Sashi Kiran says the ministry currently supports around 130,000 people through its various social protection programmes, but many beneficiaries continue to have questions about eligibility, allowances and the different forms of assistance available.
She says people living in rural and maritime communities, older persons, people living with disabilities and those unable to leave their homes often struggle to access ministry services.
Kiran says the new helpline allows beneficiaries from anywhere in Fiji to call free of charge and speak directly with welfare officers, who will answer questions, provide guidance and make internal referrals where needed.
She says the service was developed in partnership with Vodafone Fiji, Telecom Fiji, Digicel and the World Food Programme, with the WFP providing technical support and funding for the telephone lines.
Kiran stressed that the helpline will complement, not replace, the ministry's outreach programmes and office services, with welfare officers continuing to visit communities and assist people in person.
She says the ministry regularly receives messages from relatives seeking help for elderly family members or people living with disabilities, and the helpline will now provide a quicker and more direct way for people to access support.
The Minister says the service is built on the principles of accessibility, confidentiality, accountability and dignity, ensuring every caller is treated with respect while every complaint and enquiry is recorded and responded to appropriately.
She adds that the new helpline closes the gap for many vulnerable people who previously faced barriers such as distance, travel costs and limited access to ministry offices.
