PRASHILA DEVI
Health professionals have been encouraged to look after themselves and take out time for themselves.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete has heaped praise on the work of nurses and midwives in the country Minister Waqainabete, who was speaking at the celebration to mark the International Year of Nurses and Midwives at Nausori Primary School last week, called on nurses to look after themselves even if they are busy. “Make sure that you make time to exercise, make sure you have the opportunity to rest when you need to and live in a way that is healthy so that you can live long.”
“Even though we may be doctors and nurses or health professionals, we are still human beings, we are not superman or superwoman,” he said.
Minister Waqainabete also emphasised the importance of looking out for each other.
“It is imperative and incumbent on us that we look after ourselves and one good way is by developing health groups. Please don’t forget to tap someone on the shoulder and ask them how they are doing and whether they need support.”
Minister Waqainabete said that support can be needed in many ways- “maybe medical, maybe mental or social” so it was important to look out for each other. He said despite numerous challenges, the health professionals were much better off now than ever before with more numbers on the ground.
The Government, Minister Waqainabete said, wants the nurses to grow within the profession and this is already happening with nurse practitioners leading many of the Ministry’s programs.
“We as a Government want to empower, strengthen and support you to grow within the Minis-try into whatever roles that you choose that you want to grow into later on.”
Minister Waqainabete relayed to those present at the celebration that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was always concerned about the nurses and had told him to look after them including having places open for new graduates.