While responding, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa admits that the shortage of radiology staff is a disaster for the Ministry and has been a challenge since the Coalition Government came into office.

Ravunawa says under the previous TELS and Toppers scholarship schemes, university graduates could easily leave the country after completing their studies.

He says the Coalition Government has since introduced a bond system to help retain skilled workers in Fiji.

Ravunawa says training for radiology and laboratory technicians at the Fiji National University is accredited in Australia and New Zealand, meaning graduates can seek employment in those countries soon after completing their studies.

He says under the bond system, students who complete four years of training are required to serve Fiji for at least six years before they can leave, unless they repay the full cost of their bond.

Ravunawa says the Ministry of Health is also introducing a buffer system across its workforce to retain senior officers and strengthen staffing levels.

The Assistant Minister further says a new floor-mounted x-ray machine, supported by artificial intelligence, is also planned for Korovou Hospital.

Ravunawa says the machine is already in Suva but requires infrastructure upgrades, including a three-phase power supply, before it can be installed.

He says work is underway to improve the space and upgrade the electricity supply for the installation of the machine.

Original source: fj