We have always been conducting surge planning however no country has ever been able to say their plans were never breached – Dr Fong

The Permanent Secretary of Health Doctor James Fong says they have always been conducting surge planning which includes discussions with other countries to get extra resources that need to keep us in readiness however no country has ever been able to say their plans were never breached.

Doctor Fong highlighted this when questioned by fijivillage if arrangements have been made to get more ventilators.

We asked him if we are having discussions with any countries to acquire more ventilators.

He says they have been working on this even when we were COVID-19 contained.

But Dr Fong also makes it clear that no amount of planning will achieve readiness - not with COVID-19.