Dr James Fong already has plans set for his role as the newly appointed Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“It is a blessing and honour to take on the top job,” Dr Fong said.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m adamant to bring in ideas that will allow the Ministry and its functions to work better. Easy access to service will be my priority, what I will work on is trying to get our services more accessible to people and at the same time reducing the crowding in our facilities.

“That in simplistic terms is the kind of direction me and my minister and some of our senior consultants have considered as a priority moving forward.”

He said with his experiences he plans on strengthening initiatives within the ministry. He also hopes to deliver and strengthen the health care system during his term.

Background

Dr Fong originally hails from Nabubu Village in the Namuka District, in Vanua Levu. He was a former student of Xavier College in Ba.

Prior to graduating with a Masters of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1989, Dr Fong graduated from the Fiji National University, School of Medical and Nursing Sciences with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). He, later on, became Head of Department of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

He has over three decades of experience as a locally renowned obstetrician gynaecologist.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Fong was the General Manager of the COVID-19 Incident Management Team that overlooked the ministry’s affairs in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. He provided advice and recommendations to the cabinet.

Described by other health professionals as a leader, full of humility and passion, Dr Fong started his medical career at the ministry 31 years ago. Through the years he moved up the ranks.

Other roles he had taken up include:

Head of National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinical Service Network for Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Sciences, Executive Fiji Medical Association, Member Fiji Medical Council (FMC) and Chairman Medical Advisory Committee for MOHMS Overseas Referral Committee.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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