Former Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) senior medical officer, Dr. Rayvan Singh, is seeking clarity regarding his unexpected dismissal while a senior officer accused of making racial remarks against him seemingly goes unpunished. Dr. Singh received a “Termination Without Cause” notice from Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa on January 20, just two days after he had received an email from Alevio Turaga, the then Supervisor Central Eastern Division, which contained racist comments. Notably, the email also included three assistant commissioners and Dr. Nakarawa.
In the wake of lodging a formal complaint, Dr. Singh attended a subsequent meeting where the commissioner deemed him at fault for not fulfilling weekend work obligations related to an on-call report, despite Turaga’s racist conduct. The outcome of the meeting appeared troubling to Dr. Singh when he learned that Turaga was not held accountable as anticipated. Instead of facing disciplinary action, Turaga was transferred to a similar role in another division, prompting Dr. Singh to question the fairness of the disciplinary process.
This situation draws attention to a broader concern about workplace ethics and governance within the FCS. The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has expressed alarm over the dismissal, citing ethical breaches and potential infringements on Dr. Singh’s rights linked to his termination. They noted that the simultaneous orientation led by Dr. Singh for new medical personnel—including the commissioner’s wife, who was appointed as a nurse practitioner—raises suspicions about conflicts of interest.
The FMA has urged for a thorough investigation to address these concerns about the possible violations of human rights, as well as the implications for the standard of care within the corrections system. Maintaining ethical governance in healthcare, particularly in correctional environments, has never been more vital, as it directly impacts the wellbeing of both staff and inmates.
As this matter unfolds, it serves as a hopeful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and transparency in all professional dealings. The ongoing dialogue could lead to crucial reforms that enhance workplace equality and support ethical standards within the Fiji Corrections Service.
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