The shortage of staff accommodation at health centres in the North poses a significant challenge, according to Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa. He acknowledged that this issue is not new but rather an inherited problem that the Government has now prioritized within its capital development plans.
Mr. Ravunawa expressed gratitude to development partners for their contributions to infrastructure projects across the Northern Division and throughout Fiji. He noted that various facilities require major renovations or overhauls, while others face the pressing need for additional housing due to an increase in staff numbers.
In instances where housing is limited, staff members may have to share accommodations. For example, it is not uncommon for two nurses to share a two-bedroom unit, coordinating with the matron or director of nursing to ensure their comfort.
To address these issues, discussions are ongoing aimed at improving living conditions for healthcare staff, which is crucial for ensuring they can effectively serve patients. The commitment to enhancing staff accommodation reflects a positive step toward better healthcare delivery and highlights the importance of addressing infrastructure needs within the health sector.