Public consultations to review the Nursing Act 2011 begin today, with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services inviting Fijians to help shape proposed updates to the law that governs nursing practice. The first session will be held at 10am in the Lower Auditorium of the Civic Centre in Suva, Ministry officials confirmed.
In a statement, the Ministry said the consultations are being held in partnership with the Office of the Solicitor General and are intended to gather feedback to ensure the Nursing Act remains “relevant, responsive and aligned with modern healthcare standards.” “These sessions provide an opportunity for participants to share feedback, raise concerns, and contribute to strengthening the legislative framework that governs nursing practice,” the Ministry added.
The review process will take the consultation roadshow beyond Suva, with additional public sessions scheduled in Labasa on May 6 and in Lautoka on May 14. Members of the public who cannot attend in person are being encouraged to lodge written submissions; the Ministry said submissions will be accepted by hand delivery, by post or by email.
Officials have framed the exercise as a chance for nurses, health workers, patients’ representatives and other stakeholders to contribute practical perspectives on how nursing is regulated. While the Ministry has not published a detailed agenda for the sessions, it has emphasised that feedback from across the health sector and the wider public will inform any proposed amendments to the 2011 Act.
The launch of public consultations follows broader calls for greater civic participation in lawmaking and regulatory reviews. For health professionals in particular, changes to the Nursing Act could affect professional standards, registration processes and mechanisms for oversight and discipline — areas the Ministry says the consultations will help identify and refine.
The Ministry reiterated that today’s meeting in Suva is open to interested Fijians and urged those with views on nursing practice and patient care to participate. Further details on how to submit written feedback and any future technical workshops or stakeholder briefings were not included in the statement; attendees and prospective submitters are being asked to contact the Ministry directly for more information.
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