The Ministry of Health is investigating short-term international recruitment to address critical staff shortages.
Minister of Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, revealed that the shortage of specialized medical personnel is between 50 and 60 percent, a significant challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
The Minister of Health acknowledged that it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on local training to meet the demand for specialist staff.
“I think addressing the short-term gap is something that the ministries are discussing closely with the relevant ministries; it is perhaps the need to look outside of Fiji in terms of hiring staff to come and fill the gaps.”
Korean Ambassador to Fiji Kim Jin Hyung (left), Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu
Dr Lalabalavu stressed that short-term contracts are the only way the ministry can fill the gaps pending training as experienced staff are still needed.
The Korean Ambassador to Fiji, Kim Jin Hyung, expressed Korea’s commitment to support Fiji in overcoming health challenges.
The ministry’s move is expected to ease immediate pressure on the health care system while ensuring continuity of care for Fijians.
The minister believes the plan reflects a pragmatic approach to strengthening medical services in the face of significant resource constraints.
