Medical staff involved in kidney dialysis programs will soon be trained in Australia on the application of dialysis equipment and other medical processes related to the program.

Ministry of Health’s deputy secretary Dr Metuisela Tuicakau said that this development is a result of cooperation between the Government and the Beecroft Rotary of Sydney.

Dr Tuicakau said government continues to find avenues to upskill its workforce to improve service delivery to people and he is grateful to organizations such as Beecroft Rotary for coming on board to assist in training.

With more than five equipment now operating out of Lautoka hospital the need for specialist technicians has become more critical as government continues to invest millions into the health sector.

He said health is one of the most important sectors and government will continue to work towards improving service delivery to all Fijians as part of its reforms.

Apart from dialysis equipment, government has also procured equipment that at times were only available outside the country and expensive for patients to meet for treatment.

“We are now manufacturing artificial limbs here, and other equipments have also been brought in from overseas so that our people do not spend a lot of money accessing these overseas – they get treated here at home," added Dr Tuickau.

By Reginald Chandar