Ministry of Health Tour in Vanua Levu Not a Vacation
“In the past few weeks, we had put in our request if we can be allowed to come in to visit one of our facilities, which is Kioa Nursing Station,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
Thursday 18 January 2024 | 14:56
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu during his visit on Kioa Island on January 15, 2024. Photo: Ministry for Health and Medical Services.
We’re not on vacation, we’re here to hear from you.
That’s the message Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu relayed to villagers on Kioa Island on Monday.
Dr Lalabalavu is in Vanua Levu on a two-week tour of health facilities. The tour ends next Friday.
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“In the past few weeks, we had put in our request if we can be allowed to come in to visit one of our facilities, which is Kioa Nursing Station,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“This is not a vacation or field trip paid for by taxpayers.
“This is the work we’re doing, we’re going around visiting health facilities.”
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu during his visit on Kioa Island on January 15, 2024. Photo: Ministry for Health and Medical Services.
Dr Lalabalavu said his ministry looked after about 220 health facilities across Fiji and it was notably important for their senior and managerial officers to be part of the tour.
“Our visit today encompasses several reasons, one is to come and see first-hand where we send our staff to work,” he said.
“That is, to look at the facilities, to look at equipment, the furniture inside, the standard of the facility.
“Because when we come, we want to see the challenges our staff face when they try to deliver the services expected of them.”
Dr Atonio then visited Taveuni Island. He will visit Bua and Labasa health facilities next week.
Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
