Free helpline launched for vulnerable Fijians

Mothers, children, older persons, people living with disabilities and vulnerable families can now access Government support with a free phone call following the launch of a new nationwide social protection helpline.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran yesterday launched the Information, Complaints and Feedback Mechanism Helpline 1561 at the Holiday Inn in Suva, giving social protection beneficiaries direct access to the ministry to lodge complaints, seek information and provide feedback at no cost.

Ms Kiran said the service was introduced to remove barriers such as distance, cost and fear of being unheard.

She said beneficiaries can now dial 1561 from any Vodafone Fiji, Digicel Fiji or Telecom Fiji network to ask about their benefits and entitlements, report concerns, provide feedback or seek guidance on accessing support.

Every call would be handled confidentially, with complaints logged, tracked and followed up by trained ministry officers, ensuring no caller is victimised for speaking up, she said.

Ms Kiran said the helpline would strengthen transparency, accountability and accessibility, while future plans include expanding the system to support other ministry services.

She acknowledged the technical and financial support of the World Food Programme, saying the partnership had helped establish a complaints and feedback mechanism based on international best practice.