The newly appointed Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa, is set to be sworn in upon his return to Suva later this month. This announcement was confirmed by Prime Minister Rabuka during a recent press conference.

Rabuka explained that the swearing-in could not occur yesterday because Ravunawa was out of the country. Despite this, the Assistant Minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the government, marking a significant step for him as one of the seven individuals appointed from the deregistered FijiFirst Party to take up ministerial roles in the Coalition Government.

Previously, Ravunawa has been vocally critical of Fiji’s healthcare system, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by citizens within the crumbling health sector. His perspective as a former member of the opposition brings valuable insights to his new role.

Meanwhile, two other Independent MPs, Taito Rokomatu and Alipate Tuicolo, who also transitioned from the deregistered FijiFirst Party, were not sworn in during the last ceremony; however, the Prime Minister indicated support for them within the coalition.

This reshuffling reflects a broader initiative by the government to address pressing societal issues, especially in healthcare, climate change, and immigration, as seen in recent appointments of other ministers from the FijiFirst Party. By integrating diverse political backgrounds into leadership roles, the coalition government is fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation in governance.

As Fiji moves forward, the hope is that such inclusive practices will lead to more effective solutions to the nation’s challenges, ultimately benefiting the Fijian people.