Labour and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a national health crisis driven by poor lifestyle choices, and he’s urging employers to step up.
“I think our people have a very poor lifestyle. That is the biggest problem,” Mr Singh said in response to Fiji Trades Union Congress comments about the strain of work stress.
Drawing on his personal experience managing the Fiji Teachers Union medical insurance scheme, Mr Singh said many Fijians were developing serious health problems, particularly heart conditions, at increasingly younger ages.
“I know at what age people get sick — especially heart problems and others.
“Lifestyle means we do not do enough exercise, we do not eat the right type of food, and we don’t have enough rest.
“That is something that our people are lacking, and we should attend to that first.”
Mr Singh urged employers to play a more proactive role in promoting the wellbeing of their staff.
“I would advise all organisations to counsel, guide and advise their workers to exercise and have a healthier lifestyle.”
The FTUC had raised concerns over the mental and emotional strain placed on workers, particularly in high-pressure roles such as teaching.
“Stress is a workplace hazard yet we do not see it nor recognise it as a killer of young lives,” said FTUC general treasurer Muniappa Goundar, adding the issue is often overlooked despite its deadly consequences.
He said teachers, in particular, were buckling under “overloaded” administrative and teaching responsibilities, and stressed the need for workplaces to implement policies that support mental health.
