Second Aust-NZ medical team in
HEALTH Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete welcomed the second Australia and New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (ANZMAT) Bravo that arrived at the Nadi International Airport on Wednesday.
Australian High Commissioner John Feakes and New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr accompanied Dr Waqainabete in greeting the team of 14 medical personnel and three liaison officers. According to a statement, the Bravo team was in the country to replace the Alpha team, which had been working in Fiji since June 21.
The ANZMAT teams were brought in to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
“The Fijian Government is truly grateful for the support given to us from the government of Australia and the government of New Zealand through the joint AustralianNew Zealand Medical Assistance Team,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“We needed help and you selflessly offered to stand beside us during this very challenging time.
“The ANZMAT Alpha team have done tremendously well during these last few weeks and we thank them for their efforts.
“The FEMAT and the ministry is looking forward to working with the replacement Bravo Team in tackling this deadly virus in Fiji for the health of our people.”
As well as transporting the team, the C-17 aircraft brought in three fully-equipped ambulances, 2000kg of PPE & medical supplies, 50 stretcher beds, oxygen concentrators and medical equipment to assist with critical care needs.
Based on advice from the ANZMAT Alpha team, the majority of whom depart Fiji for Australia on Monday, July 19, the ANZMAT Bravo team will focus predominantly on infection prevention and control, workforce and systems at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and offer support to other facilities in Suva, including the FEMAT Hospital, as required.