Fong thanks health officials in farewell event
MINISTRY of Health’s former permanent secretary, Dr James Fong, once dubbed the “superman” of Fiji during the COVID period has thanked health officials for their contribution and dedication under his term as permanent secretary.
Dr Fong was farewelled by the northern medical team in Labasa on Friday night where he was accorded a traditional ceremony, attended by Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.
In thanking the team, Dr Fong encouraged health workers to remain loyal and faithful in serving the public.
He said in all his years of work as a medical practitioner, satisfaction came from seeing people recover and assisted by medical workers.
Dr Fong was previously serving as the Health Ministry permanent secretary since October 2020, for the past four years, until early December of last year.
The ceremony was attended by members of the health sector, who travelled from various places such as Viti Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands.
Dr Fong expressed his sincere appreciation to his fellow health workers who worked tirelessly to ensure the health services were running and functional.
In December 2023, Dr Fong said he did not reapply to be considered for renewal of his contract but said it had been a privilege to serve as permanent secretary for Health after more than 30 years in the Fiji medical services.
Hailed as a pioneer in various aspects of health work, Dr Fong was also labelled a trendsetter by his colleagues.
Acting permanent secretary, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, said contributions regarding the allocation of funds for the ceremony were voluntary.