Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Inia Seruiratu has urged Police officers in the Western Division to look after their health.

This was the minister’s main message during his two-day tour around the Western Division, visiting all Police Stations in each District.

On Friday at 5am the minister led senior officers from the Western Division Police headquarters in Lautoka during their normal training routine.

“Our officers are dying at a young age and this has to stop.  I was told that the latest Police officer who died in the West has children who are still very young,” Mr Seruiratu said.

The minister stressed that officers should think of their family and start working on their health.

Officers were reminded that the fitness level required by the organisation is there so they can maintain and improve their health.

“Our biggest killer is our lifestyle and this is also something we should consider. What you consumed and how you spend your time during your days off is something you need to plan out.”

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues at workplace according to the minister, only emphasised on safety, but not too much on health.

The minister said he now understood the work Police go through in dealing with situations at odd hours, drug busts etc, he believed that the organisation will now have to focus more on its officers health.

Edited by Percy Kean

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