Dr Fong's 30 Years of Service Acknowledged

Doctor James Fong will best be remembered for remaining calm and collected amid the criticism levelled at him and the health services, especially during the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The former permanent secretary held the fort, not only for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, but for Fijians as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the health and economic sectors.

In a moving ceremony Dr Fong was farewelled by his colleagues in Labasaon Friday.

Health workers and colleagues acknowledged his selfless attitude during his tenure so they organised a farewell for him at their own expense.

About Dr Fong

Doctor Fong, is originally from Nabubu Village, Namuka, with maternal links to Dogotuki, Macuata Province in Vanua Levu.

He spent his childhood in Ba where his father was a teacher while he attended Xavier College.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – MBBS prior to graduating with his Master of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medicine from the Fiji School of Medicine (now Fiji National University) in 1989.

Dr Fong started work as a civil servant in 1990 and was an obstetrics and gynecology specialist for more than 30 years.

Rising through the ranks from obstetrician, gynecologist to head of department of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit at the CWM Hospital in Suva he held numerous leadership positions prior to being permanent secretary.

The eldest of five siblings retired in 2019, but was called back by the ministry in February, 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

He worked as the general manager of the COVID-19 incident management team and then was given the position of permanent secretary.

He held this post for three years as per the contract and has decided not to reapply for the renewal.

He is married to Monica Fong and they have a son.

Dr James Fong

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