Budget funding to ease overtime payment delays for health workers

Doctors and nurses are set to receive improved support for overtime payments under the 2026-2027 National Budget, with Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu saying the funding will help address long-standing payment delays and improve staff retention.

Dr Lalabalavu welcomed the allocation, saying it would ease challenges experienced by frontline health workers during the last financial year.

"I'm very happy with that because we were facing challenges, especially with overtime," he said.

The Minister said the additional funding would help meet overtime payments as well as other staff-related costs, including salaries and allowances.

He said ensuring doctors and nurses were paid on time was critical to retaining health professionals, as Fiji continues to lose experienced workers to overseas employment.

Dr Lalabalavu said retaining health workers was not only about salaries, but also about improving their working environment.

"This includes ensuring overtime and allowances are paid on time, improving staff accommodation, providing reliable electricity and water services, and strengthening internet connectivity, particularly in rural and maritime areas.

"These improvements will encourage more health workers to remain in the country and accept postings to remote communities where their services are urgently needed."

Dr Lalabalavu said the Budget would also support the Ministry's wider efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve working conditions across the country.