Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu believes good quality graduates are coming out of tertiary institutions in the country.
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Lalabalavu was asked about the attrition rate within the ministry and whether the calibre of graduates coming out of universities was up to par.
“I was the chief guest for the FNU’s graduation for the College of Medicine and Nursing and you know, I was taught by some of the teachers, the lecturers, who are still there,” he said.
“I can say in terms of the knowledge they have gained through learning the last four to six years while studying, to me they should be able to put out very good quality doctors.”
He said when these graduates were coming out as healthcare professionals, internships were another hurdle they had to get past to show their capabilities.
“In terms of the output from our tertiary facilities, I can say yes, they’ve been producing doctors, nurses, and other allied health workers. That is why we have internship and mentorship program, to see areas in which they still lack full capacity to deliver.
“That is part of the internship program. I went through it and if you don’t pass it, there are requirements to be met before you become a fully-fledged doctor, nurse, or allied health worker.”
Meanwhile, Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry was committed to retaining skilled staff members in the wake of growing labour migration in the country.
Last month, the ministry amicably resolved most grievances outlined by the Fiji Nursing Association (FNA), and Dr Lalabalavu said they expected other cadres to meet and discuss issues with management soon.
“We are aware that there will be other cadres as part of the ministry that will want to come on board and yes, we are willing to listen to them,” he said.
“Early 2024, we will be entertaining our allied health workers, which covers dieticians, physiotherapists etcetera.”
