Being one of the first people to see newborn ba­bies and helping expectant mothers safely deliver their babies is always a blessing.

These was the sentiments of Kartika Naidu, who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mid­wifery from the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) last December.

The mother-of-three has 14 years of experience in nursing and currently works as a perioperative nurse at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospi­tal in Suva. With her upgrade in qualification, she can carry out the responsibility and duties of a midwife in delivering babies.

“I am very delighted with my achievement, espe­cially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was given a one-year study break by the Min­istry of Health and Medical Services and was also fortunate to study in a well-equipped facility pro­vided by the University,” she proudly said.

Over the years, I have served in Taveuni, Tamavua, and Sigatoka before moving to my current lo­cation.”

“My mum has been the biggest source of inspira­tion and guidance and continuously motivates me to do my best.”

Naidu said that with her knowledge and skills, she would continue to help expectant mothers deliver their newborns.

“The medical field is always a very challenging ca­reer, but if you want to join then you need to have a heart for it. If you have the heart to help people, then it will become easier for you.”

I encourage young people to join the nursing pro­fession with their expertise.

“It is always thrilling to see life take form; you don’t see the baby in the uterus, but when you see the baby come out alive and kicking, and the moth­er’s reaction, it is a very precious moment.”

Naidu is optimistic about pursuing further medi­cal education at FNU.

Source: Fiji National University

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