Ministry Condemns Alleged Criminal Act Against Health Professional In Bua

Akbar: The Ministry will work with relevant authorities towards ensuring that health professionals are provided with an enabling environment to carry out their role to the best of their abilities

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is appalled by the recent attacks made on medical professionals who dedicate their lives to serving their communities. Minister Rosy Akbar, during her visit to Labasa, said she was very concerned with the recent burglary at the residence of a nurse based at Bua Nursing Station.

“Relating to the most recent incident at Bua, there was a house break-in for the nurse based at Bua Nursing Station,” Ms Akbar said. “The communities, village leaders and people must also speak out against such behaviour that instills fear among health professionals.

“Such incidents should not be allowed because they prevent our health professionals from carrying out their roles in a safe and secure environment.

“The ministry will work with relevant authorities towards ensuring that health professionals are provided with an enabling environment to carry out their role to the best of their abilities.”

The ministry is advising that the safety of its health staff is a key priority and in cases where their wellbeing is compromised or at stake, then people can expect disruptions in the health services. The ministry has confirmed that the nurse concerned in this case is reluctant to return to Bua, as such she has applied and awaiting an immediate transfer.

Also as a result of this incident, the services at the Bua Nursing Station has been temporarily reduced to three days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Arrangements have been made for another nurse from the Nabouwalu Hospital to travel to Bua Nursing Station on these three days to attend to cases and return to Nabouwalu after normal hours. This is a temporary arrangement until the Ministry is able to find a replacement. Meanwhile, the matter has been reported to Police for further investigations.”

When Fiji Sun contacted Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro yesterday she confirmed of the report. “The suspect was arrested and charged with one count of burglary,” Ms Naisoro said.

“The incident happened recently.”

Attempts to get comments from Fiji Medical Association President Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete were unsuccessful when this edition went to press.

Photo: Shratika Naidu Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar (right) in discussions with Satya Sai Medical Unit Australia head Gunu Naker (middle) and Kathiravelpillai Nadanachandran during the free medical check-up at Seaqaqa Central College in Macuata Province on August 16, 2018.

Photo: Shratika Naidu Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar with Waisake Drauna at the opening of the Northern Diabetes, Rheumatic Heart Disease and Tuberculosis youth camp at Bethel Primary School in Labasa on August 16, 2018.