Enough Vaccines for All Eligible In Fiji: Minister
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has secured enough vaccines for all eligible populations in Fiji.
This was the affirmation made by the minister, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, during his response to the 2021-2022 National Budget in Parliament on Tuesday night.
Dr Waqainabete said to date the ministry confirms enough vaccines for all age eligible individuals and continues to dialogue for securing vaccination for those ages 12 to 18 years.
He also commended the $25 million in contingency funding for COVID-19 in the present Budget.
“We have used our contingency fund well in our many strategies. That funding will be available for whatever next curve ball COVID-19 will throw at us,” he said.
“In the 2021-2022 Budget, the ministry has been allocated $59.4 million to meet the demand and growing future demand in health services throughout Fiji. The ministry is continuously upgrading and refurbishing divisional and sub-divisional hospitals, health centres and nursing stations through its annual planned major refurbishments and minor works programme in addition to the new facilities.”
He added that while the health system continued to be stressed, the ministry was highly appreciative of the Budget provided which would allow them to recruit an additional 100 medical interns, 114 medical officers, 138 nurse interns and 43 midwives to boost services across our four divisions.
“The recruitment of these additional nurses and doctors will definitely assist with managing the COVID-19 crisis. The nurses and medical officers will be strategically posted to where there is a critical need within the health system,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“Doctors training budget has been increased to $776,000 by $300,000. This increase will continue to see more specialists trained, but also our desire to have doctors trained in areas of specialties that we currently do not have.”
Dr Waqainabete also paid tribute to the two senior health professionals who had succumbed to the COVID-19 virus.
“I know both of them and our prayers are with their families. We at the ministry reaffirm our commitments to continue to give our best in this challenging time.”
