Fiji’s hopes of joining the trans-Tasman tourism bubble are slim if issues at medical facilities in the country are not immediately addressed.
This was the view of National Federation Party parliamentarian Lenora Qereqeretabua in Parliament on Tuesday.
“We have heard many times of our hope to be part of the trans-Tasman bubble with Australia and New Zealand and if we do not fix our health facilities, I do not think that is ever going to happen,” she said.
She made the comment during a debate on NFP leader Prof Biman Prasad’s motion for the formation of a special committee to conduct an inquiry into the Health and Medical Care Service.
In his response to the motion, Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said forming a committee was ill-advised given the focus on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also accused Prof Prasad and “his colleagues” of barraging the Health Ministry “in one particular daily” over the past few months.
Ms Qereqeretabua said Fiji’s inclusion in the travel bubble would need a high level of confidence in health facilities and the health system.
“I have to stress that COVID-19 is not the only challenge facing our health system.
“There are many, many reasons, many other illnesses and diseases that were here way before COVID-19 which give rise to the very reason why we need such a committee.”
The motion had called for an inquiry into the lack of basic medicines and peripherals including bandages, blood testing reagents not being available and important medical equipment constantly breaking down among other issues.
The motion was defeated.