Health Ministry Listens To All Fijians, Says Dr Waqainabete

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has adopted a number of strategies to ensure a seamless service delivery at health facilities around the country.

These strategies have been put in place following concerns raised by the general public. The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the feedback from ordinary Fijians have been valuable and has given the Ministry an avenue to re-look at its operations all in the best interest of the members of public.

“The Ministry used to receive in excess of more than a 1,000 feedback a month. However following our review of operations and ways of serving the public, this has now drastically reduced to 200 to 400 per month,” Minister Waqainabete said.

In its effort to effectively listen to the members of the public on the concerns they have regarding the health service delivery, the Ministry in 2017 launched a customer care toll free number, 157. Dr. Waqainabete says the toll free initiative has been a success where people are able to directly raise their concerns with the ministry.

“The Ministry now has a faster turnaround time at the emergency departments to ensure patients do not spend too much time waiting to be served. This system has been adopted to treat patients efficiently and effectively, especially the ones who are less critical or with minor ailments. People now can also access medical reports within 5 to 10 working days,” Minister Waqainabete said.

As a result, the Ministry has also received positive feedback for improved service delivery. The Ministry has been praised for ensuring people are treated on time by friendly nurses and doctors and clean facilities. “Members of the public can utilize the toll free number 157 to give us their feedback of our service and facilities. The Ministry will always welcome suggestions from ordinary Fijians on how best we can serve them,” Dr Waqainabete said.