A nurse from Wainunu in the Bua region of Vanua Levu has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of village nurses within Fiji’s healthcare system. Luisa Tinaimere expressed her frustration that many village nurses feel overlooked, enduring lengthy periods—sometimes extending to years—without proper pay or formal contracts. She conveyed that despite their dedication to serving their communities, numerous village nurses remain unpaid.
“We feel like we have been forgotten,” Tinaimere said, detailing her experience. She mentioned that in 2023, she has only received two payments, with her last substantial salary coming in August of the previous year. Recently, she was surprised to find $1,600 deposited into her account but is unclear whether this was a salary payment or an adjustment for back pay. Since that deposit, there have been no subsequent payments.
Tinaimere underscored the financial strain on nurses, many of whom have to spend their own money on essential expenses, such as fuel to reach patients in remote areas who urgently need medical attention. “It’s disheartening to keep working without recognition or assurance of when we will be paid,” she lamented, underscoring their commitment to healthcare despite the ongoing financial struggles.
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa responded to these concerns, noting that the ministry is addressing these issues on a case-by-case basis. He acknowledged that complications, including the replacement of village nurses by local councils, may hinder the timely provision of bank details for payment processing.
These challenges are reflective of broader issues within Fiji’s healthcare system, where nurses face ongoing difficulties related to retention and compensation. Colleen Wilson, the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, highlighted the immediate need for increased funding to salaries as many nurses are considering opportunities abroad due to better pay. The government has recognized this need and allocated significant financial resources to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to enhance nurse retention and improve healthcare delivery overall.
The troubles faced by Tinaimere and her colleagues not only emphasize the difficulties encountered by village nurses but also bring attention to a larger systemic problem within Fiji’s healthcare sector. Despite these challenges, there remains optimism that increased focus on these matters will lead to essential reforms and improvements, fostering a more sustainable and stable healthcare environment for both practitioners and the communities they serve.