Penioni Ravunawa, the newly appointed Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, is set to be sworn into office upon his return to Suva later this month. Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed this during a recent press conference and explained that Ravunawa was unable to be sworn in earlier due to his absence from the country, as he is currently believed to be overseas.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Ravunawa is among seven individuals from the deregistered FijiFirst Party who have been appointed to ministerial roles in the Coalition Government. His transition into this role represents an effort to merge diverse political backgrounds, enhancing governance in Fiji.

Ravunawa has a history of being a vocal critic of the Fijian government’s health infrastructure, highlighting the challenges faced by ordinary citizens within a crumbling health sector. His experiences as a former opposition member are anticipated to provide valuable insights into addressing these pressing healthcare issues.

Notably, two other Independent MPs from the same party, Taito Rokomatu and Alipate Tuicolo, were not sworn in at the same time. However, Prime Minister Rabuka has expressed continued support for them, suggesting unity remains a priority within the coalition despite their absence from the recent ceremony.

The reshuffling of ministerial roles and the inclusion of individuals with various political experiences signal a commitment to inclusivity and effective governance. It is hoped that this collaborative approach will lead to innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges in healthcare and beyond, ultimately benefiting the Fijian populace as the country navigates through these political transitions.