Healthcare workers protect the vulnerable says Dr Waqainabete

Minister for Health and Medical Services Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says ethics are essential moral principles that governed people’s behaviour.

In response to a recent social media video post by a health specialist, Dr Waqainabete said any healthcare workers that understand the need to protect the vulnerable would advocate for vaccinations.

Health Specialist Doctor Jone Hawea is alleged to have made a social media post on July 10 where he is alleged to have condemned and labelled Government’s vaccination drive for all Fijians as ‘unethical’.

Mr Hawea said: “In medical practice, we never force any medical intervention of any individual because we are governed by a universal law called medical ethics.”

Dr Waqainabete says any ethical Health Care Worker would understand from the science that the fully vaccinated are protected against hospitalisation and death.

“We are blessed to have vaccinations and this in light of many countries that struggle to achieve the numbers we have; 67 per cent with the first dose and 13.4 per cent for the second dose,” he said.

“Very reputable scientists and Doctors were involved in the creation, the study and the 3-4 trials needed to meet the rigid standard demanded before that could be listed by WHO (World Health Organisation)

“This is a life saver; and it is ethically right to ask all Fijians to be vaccinated and prevent being hospitalised and die,” Dr Waqainabete added.