Nurses are receiving an increment of  up to 14.3 per cent while nurse practitioners serving in the rural areas are receiving up to 74 per cent increment in the 2017-2018 budget.

Pelesi Tealei, one of the nurse practitioners said she was happy with the Fiji Nursing Association for pushing for the pay increment during the budget consultation.”

“I am super happy and proud that finally this Government has recognised our worth and the many years of asking for the increment have finally been answered. Thank you Government of the day,” Ms Tealei said.

Susana Moiere, a nurse who has been serving the country for eight years now said: “This increase is good news for me and my colleagues.

“We have been waiting for the increment for so many years now, so getting this pay increment is a plus for all those nurses out there who have been sitting on the same pay for so long.”

Maryll Chand, who has been serving the country for eighteen years as an established wage earner said: “I have been serving the country for so long and this increment means a lot to to me and my family.

“We got an increment of 3 per cent eight years ago, but this has been the highest increment in my working career, so thank you FijiFirst.”

The Fiji Nursing Association president Alisi Vudiniabola said the up to 14.3 per cent increment is timely. We are happy that our submissions during the budget consultation have been taken into consideration.

“Up to 74 per cent increment for nurse practitioners serving in the rural areas is overwhelming and deserving.”

She added: “We have been pushing for the increment for almost eight years now. We got 2-3 per cent increment before but this increment is good for our staff.

“Nurse practitioners do a lot of work. They are usually transferred to rural areas or to health centres which has a shortage of doctors,” she said.

“These nurse practitioners work just like doctors but at the outpatient level.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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