Health Minister Rosy Akbar says sometimes people fail to acknowledge what Fiji has achieved where the country has extensive network of hospitals, health centres and nursing stations which are staffed by skilled doctors, nurses and other health workers.

This month marks one year since Rosy Akbar was appointed Minister for Health.

While responding to President Jioji Konrote’s opening speech on the new Parliament Session, Akbar says any Fijian rich or poor can have access to essential health care.

Akbar told parliamentarians that some people seek to criticize the health system and she has acknowledged this.

She says there will always be scope for them to do better and they cannot relax in their efforts to improve their systems and services.

However, Akbar urged parliamentarians today to reflect on the fact that all Fijians enjoy universal free access to basic health care which is still a dream in many wealthier countries.

Akbar has also highlighted that lifestyle diseases are undoubtedly one of the major challenges confronting the health system in Fiji.