The recent inquiry into the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has uncovered significant concerns regarding the appointment of Vakaloloma Mocevakaca Nakarawa, wife of the suspended Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, as an acting medical officer. This decision has been criticized for blurring the lines between the distinct roles of nurse practitioners and medical officers, which could jeopardize the health and safety of inmates relying on medical staff for treatment.
Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, President of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), expressed serious concerns during the tribunal, emphasizing that nurse practitioners support doctors by administering general care and certain medications but should not perform unsupervised medical tasks. In a particularly troubling example, Mrs. Nakarawa ordered drug screening tests that produced questionable results, predicted by the lab to have potential false positives, indicating a dangerous gap in clinical oversight.
The FMA also highlighted troubling salary discrepancies, as Mrs. Nakarawa was earning significantly more than some of her colleagues, raising questions about fairness and ethics in remuneration within the corrections healthcare system. Following the abrupt termination of senior medical officer Dr. Rayvan Singh—who alleges his dismissal was linked to potential nepotism—these issues have gained traction, pointing to a pattern of misconduct.
In his statement to the tribunal, Dr. Singh alleged that his termination coincided suspiciously with Mrs. Nakarawa’s introduction as the new medical officer on the same day, casting doubt on the transparency of the process. Additionally, Dr. Vakamocea noted that nurse practitioners must operate under the guidance of medical officers and that the appointment of Mrs. Nakarawa as a medical officer in charge raised serious ethical questions.
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has acknowledged his lack of awareness regarding the appointment, indicating the need for clarity and oversight in such matters. As these hearings continue, the FMA is advocating for thorough investigations to address these ethical concerns in the hope of restoring trust in the healthcare system within Fiji’s correctional facilities.
This situation underlines the importance of professional integrity and procedural fairness in public service, and it offers a critical opportunity for reform. By addressing these allegations transparently, the FCS has the chance to rebuild public confidence and enhance the overall quality of care provided within its facilities, potentially leading to improved healthcare practices and policies that benefit both inmates and staff alike.
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