About 807 nurses resigned in 2022, says Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu. He highlighted this during his speech in Parliament yesterday, adding staff shortage and attrition remained the key issue plaguing human resource in the health sector.
“As an example, we have 3056 nursing positions across Fiji and the nursing workforce is crucial to all aspects of health services,” Dr Atonio said.
“They are a major part of our professional and caring health system delivery. However, last year alone, 807 nurses, approximately 26.4 per cent have resigned from the ministry. This issue has been noted in the media over the last few years but finding a quick solution is going to be a challenge.
“It is an issue that we cannot shy away from and requires a multifactorial and a multi-sectoral approach.
“As minister, we will work together with the wider ministry and health facility leadership teams and with Government to look for solutions to these issues. And our solutions will be approached in an inclusive and consultative manner.”
Dr Lalabalavu said although nursing was highlighted in the attrition rate, other cadres of health care workers were also affected.
“As a ministry, we will find solutions to these concerns through consultation and dialogue with each cadre because health service delivery is not only about doctors and nurses but many other important cadres of health care professionals and support service teams that make the health care system function.”
Dr Lalabalavu said the amended retirement age helped provide immediate access to a more knowledgeable and highly skilled and experienced health practitioners and administrators workforce.
