The Sangam School of Nursing and Health Care Education has announced the suspension of its aged-care program due to a review mandated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). According to the academic board chairman, Amraiya Naidu, this initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the employability of its graduates.
Naidu highlighted that while the aged-care qualifications may currently be under scrutiny, the program has previously demonstrated success. He noted that 55 students from the college, who completed the aged-care course earlier, were recruited under Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and are now successfully employed in aged-care facilities throughout Australia. This demonstrates the potential of the qualification to provide genuine employment opportunities when delivered effectively.
In light of the HEC’s review, Sangam Nursing College is proactively seeking to enhance its offerings by negotiating a partnership with TAFE Queensland. This collaboration will introduce the Australian Certificate III in Individual Support, a qualification well-regarded within the Australian aged-care sector, ensuring that future graduates are equipped with credentials that open viable job pathways.
In addition to this development, Sangam College recently celebrated the graduation of 100 new nurses, who are prepared to address healthcare workforce shortages in Fiji caused by the emigration of skilled professionals. Naidu noted that since the first batch graduated in 2015, the college has trained a total of 927 nurses who are currently practicing across Fiji.
To further support nursing education, the college has initiated a bridging course for diploma-qualified nurses, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications to a degree. This program, which has seen participation from around 445 nurses, combines online learning with in-person classes across various Fijian locations, including Labasa, Suva, and Lautoka.
Over the years, Sangam has achieved significant milestones by also producing graduates in specialized areas, including midwifery and nursing leadership. The dedication of the college to its students remains evident, with Naidu expressing pride in their contributions to healthcare in Fiji amidst the pressing need for qualified personnel. With these new graduates entering the workforce, there is hope that they will play a critical role in sustaining health services across the nation.
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