Health Ministry enforces strict rural postings for new doctors

Fiji's Ministry of Health is enforcing strict postings for new doctors to rural and maritime facilities, aiming to strengthen primary healthcare services across the nation. Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu stated that graduates can request preferred locations or seek reviews under special circumstances, but the final decision rests with the posting committee.

Lalabalavu emphasized that last-minute changes to postings disrupt health services and lead to critical vacancies. "We encourage new medical officers wherever they are being sent that they should stick to that because it’s a very difficult task to plan for this, and when we have changes at the last minute, it really only holds back positions that are supposed to be filled, but then the service is interrupted as well," he said.

“

We encourage new medical officers wherever they are being sent that they should stick to that because it’s a very difficult task to plan for this, and when we have changes at the last minute, it really only holds back positions that are supposed to be filled, but then the service is interrupted as well.

The ministry will maintain this strict posting process while considering exceptional cases. "For now, I advise the posting committee to be strict with their decisions, but we will also consider some special requests that come in based on medical conditions and so forth. At the end of the day, it is the posting committee that makes the decision," Lalabalavu added.

The ministry highlighted that the posting system and internship program are designed to ensure Fiji's health workforce remains competent and to improve access to healthcare services throughout the country.

“

For now, I advise the posting committee to be strict with their decisions, but we will also consider some special requests that come in based on medical conditions and so forth. At the end of the day, it is the posting committee that makes the decision.