The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has submitted its budget request to the Ministry of Finance.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the submission was prepared and submitted by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr James Fong.

When asked about the inclusion of a pay increase for nurses in the submission, Minister Lalabalavu acknowledged that it was a matter they had taken into consideration.

“I can’t release more details on this as it is with the Ministry of Finance,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

Regarding the issue of the nursing workforce exodus, Dr Lalabalavu highlighted the importance of considering both the pull and push factors.

He said it was challenging for the ministry to compete with other countries and organisations in terms of the pay offered to nurses.

“If nurses want to leave for better pay, we can’t stop them,” he said.

However, the ministry is focused on addressing the push factors by improving working conditions, providing overtime pay, and exploring remuneration options.

“If we address those things perhaps, we will have some retention of nurses.”

Dr Lalabalavu said in their budget submission, the ministry had requested funds to improve health facilities across the nation.

“After visiting various places, we found the need to improve infrastructure and something that we want to deal with that is workable and livable for the staff,” he said.

Dr Lalabalavu emphasised the importance of prioritising safety for nurses and encouraged them to work within their designated hours.

“Going beyond that I will not recommend because you have to take into consideration, such as fatigue, otherwise they would be bound to make mistakes and we don’t want that,” he said.

Story by: Shratika Naidu – shratikan@fijisun.com.fj