In spite of the limited resources in the country, the Government was trying its best to provide a robust and responsive medical system, said Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar.

“Even though Fiji may have lesser resources than first class nations, I am pleased to say that the Government of the day endeavors to provide a robust and responsive medical system,” she said.

Ms Akbar was speaking on Saturday night at the gala dinner to over 100 doctors at the Fiji Medical Association 59th Annual Scientific Conference at the Pearl Resort in the Pacific Harbour.

Ms Akbar said the challenges facing the medical profession in Fiji were no different from the challenges that were being faced worldwide.

“The Fijian government, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been consistently increasing its support towards the provision of health services in this nation, and as part of this also the provision of more and more human resources,” she said.

She said the significant increases in salaries of doctors in the country along with the increases in the civil service salaries and the Civil Service Reform generated enrolment increases at the Fiji National University and also enhanced the recognition and role of doctors in the nation.

She said the value of doctors was now increased with the winds of change throughout the Pacific.

She said the celebration at the conference gala dinner saw the wonderful gathering of medical professionals for the last two and a half days.

At the event doctors and medical professionals who have worked tirelessly not only within the civil service but for the benefit of the entire nation were recognised through the awarding of the Presidents Medal and Life Membership.

Ms Akbar said medical professionals go beyond their roles to overcome the challenges to save lives and as such their contribution was acknowledged and applauded.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika