The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has expressed its disappointment on the alleged assault of one of its doctors earlier this week.

It is understood that the female doctor was allegedly assaulted by another woman while on duty at the Wainibokasi Hospital.

Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong said: “There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for any of our personnel to incur a violent reaction in the course of performing their duly assigned duties.”

Dr Fong said the ministry would expect legal redress in this matter.

“We have given the doctor four days sick leave and we have also stood her down from on-call duties for two weeks.

“She will undergo counselling and doctors from Nausori have been deployed to support the on-call duties in Wainibokasi Hospital.”

Fiji Medical Association President Dr Basharat Munshi also shared similar sentiments on the issue. Dr Munshi said the Fiji Medical Association strongly condemned the cowardly act.

“We wish to make it explicitly clear that violence, whether physical or verbal, against any doctors will not be tolerated. Violence against any member of the public is wrong.

“In a civil society, any disagreement or grievance should be dealt with in an amicable manner and violence will never be condoned.

“We implore to the public that we should all strive to be more humane, respectful, courteous and well mannered.”

A woman has been charged by Police for the alleged assault.

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