Fiji’s health and medical community is in mourning over the sudden passing of Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu who died in Lautoka last Saturday following a short illness.
Remembering the late PS, Fiji Medical Association president Dr Alipate Vakamocea said Dr Tudravu was a silent but decisive leader.
“Dr Tudravu dedicated his life to the medical profession in Fiji and has been a member of the executives of the Fiji Medical Association for over a decade,” said Dr Vakamocea in a statement.
“He played a critical role in negotiating between the FMA and the Fiji Government for the biggest pay increase for doctors in the region, an accomplishment that doctors in Fiji still enjoy today.
“Dr Jemesa was a silent but decisive leader who always carefully considered every detail before making a decision. He was consistently someone we could rely on when the way became unclear or when we had lost our direction altogether.”
He said the medical profession had lost a lighthouse, mentor and friend.
“He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Dr Tudravu’s death was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services yesterday.
In a statement the ministry recognised his over 30-year career as a medical professional.
He was an orthopaedic surgeon after completing specialist training at Newcastle Hospital in Australia before taking on the roles of medical superintendent at the Lautoka and the Colonial War Memorial hospitals.
He then was appointed chief medical adviser for the Health Ministry before assuming the role of permanent secretary in February, 2024.
