The Ministry of Health and Medical Services experienced a notable decline in staff resignations, a trend Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu hails as reassuring.
Dr Lalabalavu while highlighting this during the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting in Taveuni said the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the workplace and work environment for medical professionals.
He has pledged to further enhance hospitals, health centers, and nursing stations nationwide.
“I have personally toured hospitals, health centers, and nursing stations across the country. While some are in satisfactory condition, many require substantial refurbishment, including staff quarters,” he said.
“The Ministry continues to prioritize dialogue with its staff, including doctors and nurses, viewing it as essential for improving working conditions.”
Dr Lalabalavu emphasised that everyone has a role to play in the Ministry’s efforts to improve public health, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Currently, 80% of deaths in Fiji are attributed to NCDs. We recognize that the government alone cannot address this issue. Therefore, our Ministry has implemented various programs and will introduce new policies to combat NCDs.”
“Collaboration with other ministries such as Agriculture, Fisheries, Youth and Sports, and Education will be key in raising awareness and implementing community health programs.”
A substantial portion of the Health Ministry’s budget is allocated to combating NCDs through medication procurement, acquiring biomedical equipment, and conducting awareness outreach programs.
Despite the focus on NCDs, Dr Lalabalavu highlighted the increasing threat of communicable diseases, particularly Leptospirosis, which has seen a rise in cases in urban centers like Suva and an outbreak recorded in Kadavu. Response teams have been deployed to address the situation.
“With the current wet weather conditions exacerbating the situation, citizens must adhere to advisories from the Health Ministry, NDMO, and the Fiji Meteorological Services,” urged Dr. Lalabalavu. “These conditions typically lead to an increase in diseases such as Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue, and Diarrhoea, collectively known as LTDD.”
“Let’s collectively strive for clean and healthy environments in our homes and communities. It’s the most effective way to minimise the spread of LTDD,” Dr Lalabalavu concluded, urging the public to heed advisories to prevent LTDD outbreaks and mitigate severe outcomes during the rainy season.
