MP elaborates on ministry’s efforts
HEALTH Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete hit out at Opposition parliamentarian Niko Nawaikula for saying his team had “done nothing” to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his response to moves by Government to suspend a few Standing Orders to fast track the COVID-19 appropriation Bill, Mr Nawaikula had questioned how the coronavirus was handled and said the minister had “done nothing”.
“What do you mean did nothing,” Dr Waqainabete asked.
“The sons and daughters of Fiji have been working very very hard for the last five months.
“When the budget last year for 2020 was done, no one predicted that we would have COVID-19.
“If we knew, we would have set aside appropriations for that budget.
“Nobody knew.
“It came in November/ December, it started in a different country, it went all over the world, every economy is struggling.
“The Ministry of Health needs support in order to do its work, that’s why we are asking we expedite this budget discussion.
“And here we have the other side, wanting to curtail, wanting to delay the appropriation Bill that’s before us.
“We have people in lockdown areas who are not going to work, we have medical supplies that need to be carried through.
“I find this despicable, I find this worrying, they (Opposition) are not concerned about COVID-19.
“If they were concerned about COVID-19, they would say let’s get through this and let’s get the supplies out to the people.
“I must say I am very disappointed at their actions today (Thursday).”