Fiji’s Health Ministry is set to welcome 335 nurse interns over the next 18 months, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s healthcare system. Currently, these interns are engaged in a one-week induction program to prepare them for their clinical roles. During a motivational speech, Acting Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Luisa Cikamatana Rauto highlighted the importance of this time, emphasizing that their selection speaks to their potential contributions to the healthcare sector.
Dr. Rauto conveyed that the upcoming period is crucial for the interns as they transition from theoretical knowledge to practical experiences in the field. She described nursing not just as a profession but as a calling that requires deep commitment and an eagerness to serve, regardless of personal obstacles.
This influx of nursing interns comes at a time when the Health Ministry is addressing concerns about the increasing number of medical interns in the country, as noted by Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu. As the ministry balances the training opportunities with the availability of clinical supervisors, the focus remains on developing a supportive learning environment for the interns.
Significantly, the Health Ministry is not only investing in the training of these new interns but is also committed to improving health services, especially in remote areas. Initiatives include dispatching interns to underserved communities to gain practical experience. Furthermore, collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is underway to conduct a comprehensive workforce assessment, ensuring the healthcare sector has the right personnel mix to meet service demands.
This proactive strategy showcases the government’s dedication to nurturing a skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce, aimed at fostering a healthier future for all Fijians. The important roles these nurse interns are poised to take on are expected to enhance health services throughout the nation, heralding a positive outlook for public health in Fiji.
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