Compain calls out Health Minister’s farewell party plans for outgoing PS as a waste of taxpayers money

Compain calls out Health Minister’s farewell party plans for outgoing PS as a waste of taxpayers money

By Alipate Narawa
Friday 29/12/2023
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu

The decision by the Minister for Health to commemorate the departure of the retiring Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong, by having a big farewell party for him on 26th January in Labasa, at the Ministry’s cost, is frankly outrageous. International Womens Association (Fiji) President, Judy Compain has highlighted this in a facebook post where she has also tagged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad.

Compain says at a time when hospitals in Fiji are desperately in need of financial resources to address failed and demised infrastructure and to provide better medical and support services to the people of Fiji, the Health Minister’s irresponsible decision is a slap in the face of Fiji citizens who are demanding better health services. She says the Minister allegedly sent a written directive for each unit, to send staff, and that all airfares and accommodation are to be paid for from the health budget.

The IWF President says the use of Fiji taxpayers’ money to conduct a big party in the North, coincidentally in the Minister’s home province, will be viewed by many as a blatant misuse of our already beleaguered national health budget. She says to be frank, the Minister for Health should know better.

Compain says she cannot believe that the outgoing Dr Fong who is a good man and who she has had a great working relationship with, would approve of this act by the Minister.

She says she is calling on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad to stop this event from happening and to use taxpayers' money wisely to build better medical infrastructure, and to clean up and resource the hospitals of Fiji.

The IWF President says if the Minister wants to thank Dr Fong, a wiser and more prudent use of resources is to host a small party in Suva, at the Minister’s private expense or have staff pay for themselves, and have those outside Suva attend by Zoom to say a few words.

She asks could this farewell not have been done during the 100 year celebrations held last week when most medical staff were in attendance.

Compain adds the government needs to curb its expenditure on unnecessary things.

We are currently trying to speak to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance.

FEATURE NEWS
Preventing violence against women/girls is a national priority - PM
Preventing violence against women and girls is not just a social issue, it is a matter of national importance as violence robs our families of their s...
50 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
WWE Network to shut down and move to Netflix from January 2025
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Network Support has announced that they will be shutting down and moving to Netflix, which will be their new ...
41 seconds ago

WWE Network to shut down and move to Netflix from January 2025
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Network Support has announced that they will be shutting down and moving to Netflix, which will be their new ...
26 minutes ago

Fiji and US sign historic defence agreement to boost security
Fiji and the United States have signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening defence and ...
30 minutes ago

Hilton Special School hosts walk-a-thon to raise $13,000 for safer walkways
In a collective effort to enhance safety and accessibility, Hilton Special School’s 13 classes organized a walk-a-thon fundraiser with the goal of ...
16 hours ago

Consumer Council warns food establishments after hair found in food
The Consumer Council of Fiji has reminded food establishments to adhere to proper hygiene practices after a consumer found hair in a meal purchased ...
17 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
9 days ago

Mangal and Akauola on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Adult Teen Challenge Fiji Executive Director, Hemraj Mangal and Director, Matai Akauola appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan The ...
9 days ago

Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
16 days ago

TOP