Independent MP Shalen Kumar has called for urgent enhancements to Fiji’s healthcare sector during a recent parliamentary session, where he cited a troubling shortage of healthcare workers and extended waiting times for patients. While acknowledging the current government’s initiatives to modernize healthcare facilities, Kumar stressed the need for accelerated reforms, particularly in rural areas where healthcare challenges are acutely felt.
Kumar’s statements resonate with concerns previously voiced by other parliamentary members. For example, Opposition MP Premila Kumar highlighted the issue of job placement delays for recent nursing graduates, with many facing a six-month wait for employment. Additionally, the country grapples with a significant shortage of midwives, currently only around 200 available for about 300,000 women of childbearing age.
In addressing the education system, Kumar also welcomed the review of the Education Act and highlighted its potential to improve vocational training. He recognized the government’s efforts to provide free education grants and transportation subsidies but noted that these measures often inadequately support rural schools. Many educational institutions in these areas rely on minimal community contributions and struggle to meet basic operational needs.
To better support rural schools, Kumar advocated for the creation of a dedicated fund aimed at improving financial resources for essential components like educational materials, safe infrastructure, and teacher training. He recommended a comprehensive assessment to determine the real operational costs of schools and compare these with existing government grants to ensure transparency and improve efficiencies.
Overall, this dialogue on healthcare and education underscores a collective acknowledgment of systemic challenges that necessitate thoughtful planning and sustainable funding. The ongoing discussions point to a promising opportunity for significant reforms in both sectors, reflecting a government commitment to advancing healthcare and educational services in Fiji. Continued collaboration between lawmakers and the government could drive essential improvements, benefiting the health and educational well-being of the Fijian populace as a whole.
Leave a comment