THE National Health Executive Committee established by the Ministry of Health is now the principal body in charge of approving, supervising, and directing Fiji’s health policy.
This development was shared by the permanent secretary for Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, who emphasised the committee’s crucial role in shaping the country’s health governance.
Dr Tudravu explained that the NHEC brings together representatives from all divisions within the Ministry of Health, as well as key hospitals, including the Lautoka and Ba Aspen hospitals.
Nursing and allied health professionals are also included in the committee, making it a comprehensive body aimed at ensuring that health policies are effectively developed and implemented across the nation.
“The NHEC serves as an important forum where we review and approve health policies before they are rolled out for national implementation,” Dr Tudravu said.
“We ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved in the process, and that the financial and operational implications for the ministry, healthcare workers, and the broader public are fully considered.”
The committee’s primary responsibility is to assess proposed policies and guidelines, making sure they align with the ministry’s objectives and can be effectively implemented across the country.