Nurse bond system, housing upgrades on Government agenda

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is planning to introduce a bond system for nurses and prioritise staff accommodation upgrades at health centres nationwide as part of efforts to address the country’s nursing shortage.

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said the Government is committed to ensuring nursing shortages become a non-issue within the next two years.

“We are planning to introduce a bond system where nurses must serve before leaving or repay their full tuition if they were supported through Government scholarships,” Mr Ravunawa said.

He acknowledged that inadequate staff accommodation at health centres remains a major challenge, describing it as an inherited issue that the Government is now actively addressing.

“It will not be a quick fix, but we have placed it on the radar as a priority for capital development,” he said.

Mr Ravunawa also expressed appreciation to development partners supporting infrastructure improvements in the health sector.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are assisting with upgrades not only in the Northern Division but at several health centres across the country.

The Ministry of Health said the combination of a planned bond system and improved staff housing is expected to strengthen nurse retention and ensure quality health services reach communities nationwide.

The measures are also aimed at easing pressure on existing staff while supporting newly graduated nurses entering the workforce.

With continued Government support and international collaboration, Fiji aims to address long-standing challenges in the health sector and secure a stable nursing workforce for the future.