Health Minister demands faster response times

Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has issued a strong directive to senior health managers, demanding immediate improvements in response times and the clearance of administrative backlogs. Speaking at the fourth National Health Executive Committee Meeting, Dr. Lalabalavu expressed significant concern over prolonged delays in addressing parliamentary questions, media inquiries, and requests from the public.

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Delays in providing information for ministerial and parliamentary responses undermine transparency and hinder legislative processes.

The Minister emphasized that these delays not only undermine transparency but also hinder crucial legislative processes. He specifically instructed senior managers to prioritize parliamentary questions, ensuring they are handled with the urgency they deserve. Furthermore, Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted the importance of timely responses to media inquiries, noting that prompt access to accurate information enables journalists to report effectively and mitigates the spread of misinformation and public speculation.

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Parliamentary questions must be treated as a priority by senior managers.

Dr. Lalabalavu also stressed that members of the public seeking assistance, lodging complaints, or requesting medical updates are entitled to timely responses and appropriate resolutions. Under the newly launched National Health Strategic Plan, the Ministry is actively working to enhance accountability and shift its focus from mere planning to tangible operational delivery. Senior managers have been tasked with leading by example, removing administrative obstacles, and establishing clear internal standard operating procedures to facilitate faster feedback mechanisms.

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timely access to verified information helps journalists report accurately and reduces the risk of misinformation and public speculation.

"There is no room for delayed feedback when the welfare of the public and access to information are at stake," the Minister stated, underscoring the critical nature of efficient communication and service delivery within the Ministry. The directive signals a move towards greater efficiency and responsiveness within Fiji's health sector.

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members of the public seeking assistance, lodging complaints or requesting medical updates deserve timely responses and proper resolutions.