FOCUS ON FIJI
Activist tells minister to look at ‘triggers’ Human rights activist Shamima Ali has called on Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete to look into the triggers behind the exodus of nurses. She claimed the resignations were a serious issue, as it could place an enormous strain on the health system. She echoed claims made by the Fiji Nursing Association that the resignations were due to stress, fatigue, not being able to take leave, given time in lieu instead of overtime but not being able to take the time in lieu when they ask for it and not being compensated for the work that they were doing. Dr Waqainabete said there were about 300 nurse vacancies and the ministry would cushion these vacancies by employing new graduates, rehiring retired nurses and re-engaging nurses. She echoed claims made by the Fiji Nursing Association that the resignations were due to stress, fatigue, not being
able to take leave, given time in lieu instead of overtime but not being able to take the time in lieu when they ask for it, and not being compensated for the work that they were doing. While the Health Minister said there were 300 nursing vacancies, he could not provide a figure on the number that resigned over the
past year. He said, according to a brief he received six weeks ago, 25 nurses had resigned. “From then ’til now, I do not know what the numbers are,” he said during a news conference where he was asked about the nursing situation. Dr Waqainabete said the health staff had faced a
challenging two years and the ministry had tried to support them as much as they could. “Recently, we have been asking them to start taking their leave again.” When quizzed if nurses had resigned because they were not properly compensated, Dr Waqainabete said: “I don’t receive the resignation letter, but I also know that in some instances the resignations were very short. “I was told of some resignation letters that said thank you for the opportunity and that I’m leaving for personal reasons.” Ms Ali claimed resigning nurses did not criticise the ministry or Government out of fear of victimisation in the reference process of the new jobs they sought. “This is a very serious issue, the resignations mean that the load for divisional hospitals and their subdivisional hospitals and health centres and nursing stations is now more than doubled,” she said.
Carrier drivers concerned that they have not received licences and being told by LTA official that they can only apply for licences to operate from Point A to B Carrier drivers from Labasa asked the Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum to look into their concerns as they had applied for carrier licences within Vanua Levu in 2018 and are yet to get the licences by Land Transport Authority. While speaking at the Anuve Hindu Temple in Bulileka, one of the representatives said they are also concerned that they want licences to operate within Vanua Levu but they are being told by an LTA official that they can only apply for licences to operate from Point A to B.
The man says there were objections by some bus companies but the LTA Board had later said they cannot do that.
He also says they had paid $66 for the applications in 2018, and have been told that will be refunded and it will be used again for the new
application where they had to include 2 passport photos, a base letter, police clearance and medical report. In response, SayedKhaiyum says bus companies cannot object to carrier licences being given out. An LTA official in the talanoa session said he will seek legal advice on the issues being raised on licences given from Point to B, and Sayed-Khaiyum said they will discuss further on this. The carrier drivers say they want the matter to be addressed urgently.
Man who allegedly killed Rakiraki farmer to be produced in court today A man will be produced in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court today for the murder of the 28-year-old farmer whose body was found in Dreketi Settlement, Nalawa, Rakiraki on Monday. He is charged with one count of murder. Police had earlier said that the farmer was found lying motionless in a compound on Monday afternoon.
Former FijiFirst MP, Vijendra Prakash pleads not guilty
5 SODELPA MP’s had earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of giving false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage. Former FijiFirst MP, Vijendra Prakash has today pleaded not guilty to giving false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage. SODELPA MP’s Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Niko Nawaikula, Salote Radrodro, Peceli Vosanibola and Simione Rasova had earlier pleaded not guilty to their charges of
giving false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage. Another SODELPA MP, Adi Litia Qionibaravi who is also charged with the two offences was not present in court today as she is ill. The six SODELPA MPs and the former FijiFirst MP allegedly claimed a combined total of $186,749.20 in parliamentary allowances that they were not entitled to. The case will be called again on the 14th of this month.
37,471 people assisted through Bus Fare Concession program
Murgessan Pillay appointed as new Oceania Hospitals CEO Murgessan Pillay has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Oceania Hospitals. Pillay took on this role after being in the Acting General Manager position for 3 months. Oceania Hospitals Chairman, Dr. Wame Baravilala says they are fortunate to have someone with his capability leading the hospital at this time of its critical growth phase. He says Pillay has over 10 years extensive business, leadership, governance and risk management
experience. Dr. Baravilala
40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2022
further
says they look forward to his valuable contribution as they
continue to build Oceania Hospitals into a premier medical services provider. He adds the Board is confident that with Pillay’s experience and strong leadership skills, Oceania will have smooth implementations of major initiatives planned for 2022. Pillay was the Chief Financial Officer at Oceania Hospitals before taking on the role of acting General Manager. He was also the Chief Financial Officer at Williams and Gosling Group and was the Deputy CFO for BSP Life.
37,471 senior citizens aged 60 years and above and persons with disabilities have benefited from the Bus Fare Concession program, which was introduced in 2011. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar says in recognition of the contribution of senior citizens and persons with disabilities to nation-building, the government had introduced this assistance to help this clientele with their travelling.
She says this is in partnership with the Fiji Bus Operators Association in promoting an inclusive society and leaving no one behind in its effort to assist all Fijians. Akbar reiterated that the needs of our vulnerable population are very important to the Government. The Fijian Government has allocated $5 million in this current fiscal year for the Bus Fare Concession program.
