Veterans to access welfare and mobility support near home

Veterans across Fiji will soon be able to access support services closer to home as the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs rolls out a new regional support system.

Ministry permanent secretary Mason Smith said four officers would be deployed to Divisional Commissioners’ offices in the Central, Western, Northern and Eastern divisions.

The initiative aims to make services more accessible for veterans who currently travel to Suva to seek assistance.

“The four officers that are going to the Commissioner’s offices will ensure veterans do not have to travel all the way to Suva,” Mr Smith said.

Under the arrangement, veterans will be able to visit their nearest Commissioner’s office to access assistance or raise concerns about welfare, mobility support and other services provided through the Ministry and the Fiji Servicemen’s After-Care Fund.

“They can go to the Commissioner’s office and receive assistance,” he said.

The officers will also serve as the Ministry’s contact points in the divisions and will report weekly to the After-Care Fund and the Ministry.

The reports will help officials track the type of support veterans require and respond more quickly to their needs.

“The purpose is to improve their access to us and our ability to provide services,” Mr Smith said.

The deployment will also help the Ministry collect updated information on veterans across the country.

Mr Smith said building a comprehensive database would help identify veterans who require urgent assistance and ensure support services reach those most in need.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare services for Fiji’s growing veteran community.