Now is the time for retirees to give back and say yes to the call of the Nation.

These were the words of retired midwife, Sister Mere Kauata, who has been praised for her work in helping deliver a baby boy onboard Government’s medical ship, MV Veivueti at the Lautoka Wharf on Monday.

The safe delivery of the baby at 12.51pm was the first emergency caesarean section case on the medical ship after the Lautoka Hospital went on lockdown on May 5.

Ms Kauata, 65, from Nakalavo, Sigatoka is a volunteer with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as the midwifery coordinator for a project taking place in Vanua Levu.

With her good heart, the former matron at the Lautoka Hospital has helped bring life into the world and she does not see herself giving-up that soon.

The mother-of-four children and grandmother to three children worked at the hospital for 35 years.

“Before I was tasked to come on the MV Veivueti, we were part of a project in Vanua Levu for the past three months. We spent a week here and were due to return but COVID happened,” said Ms Kauata.

“UNFPA approached us to help out the team at any nearest health centre. Being a midwife is very different. We have got the heart to serve mothers.

“When they called us to come and help, why not, this is the time for us to turn back and say yes and give back whatever we have learned from our work.

“This is the only time where we can give back to our country.”

She said there were four midwives on the medical ship each doing 12 hour shift.

Ms Kauata said another four babies were delivered after the first successful delivery.

Her humble message to other midwives in Fiji, who are yet to retire, is to “continue to help people”.

She is also appreciative to the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) team and her husband, retired Police Inspector, Apao Kauata, for encouraging her to continue to do what her heart desires.