A LACK of clinical skills at frontline health facilities is making it harder to detect tuberculosis cases in Fiji.
This was shared by Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa, who said the issue was not the lack of equipment, but the ability of health workers to recognise symptoms early.
“It is the skills and nurses’ clinical ability, that is why we are launching the guideline to help them to understand the signs and symptoms that are presented to the clinic and how to manage them,” he said.
In response, the Ministry of Health has launched the Fiji National TB Management Guideline 2025, aimed at strengthening diagnosis and improving care.
The guideline, now in its fifth edition, provides updated and standardised direction for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
“It also provides clear, practical, and evidence-based guidelines for health care workers.”
