Minister immediate outlines focus ahead
‘I wish to congratulate the smooth transition of Lautoka Hospital under Aspen Medical’
Over the next few months, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Antonio Lalabalavu, will direct his attention to staffing to enhance services.
He made the comment as he was accorded a traditional welcoming ceremony at the Lautoka Hospital yesterday.
Additionally, he will also look into issues that were raised by members of the public such as waiting time as well as spending the scope of clinical service that is being planned.
He said the ministry’s ultimate objective was to ensure that the people who needed healthcare would get the care. He also mentioned that from the feedback he had received, it appeared that most staff were happy with their current work place.
“I have been informed that 84 per cent of health workers in the Lautoka Hospital and 79 per cent of health workers in the Ba Hospital have chosen to join Aspen Medical team,” he said.
“I wish to congratulate the smooth transition of Lautoka Hospital under Aspen Medical and congratulate staff who found employment opportunities here in Lautoka and Ba Hospitals. “I would imagine that there will be more issues coming up in the next few months that will mean ironing it out, I am confident that we have enough expertise and experience the ministry has.”
Dr Lalabalavu said the transition plan to the healthcare workers at the Lautoka and Ba Hospital who declined the offer by Aspen Medical would be retained by the health ministry.
“I have been briefed on some aspects of the PPP so that I and the new Government can get a full appreciation of the PPP which is now in place and this will also assist in facilitating the new coalition Government’s own vision and intent for health service in Fiji,” Dr Lalabalavu added.
“I look forward to working with you in the next coming years.”