Outsourcing - a system where effective and efficient service is provided at a minimum cost will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.
The Minister for Health, Dr Neil Sharma said by December 4 the outsourcing of services in Lautoka Hospital would be undertaken.
In the meantime, the ministry is still ironing out a few legal issues.
“As you know we have outsourced our security services and part of our ambulance services. And on November 13 the outsourcing of cleaning services in Labasa was done,” Dr Sharma said.
“We are reviewing the decision about the cleaning services for Suva.
“Other areas to outsource, which we are assessing are the laundry, kitchen and building and maintenance of major structures like Suva, Labasa and Lautoka hospitals where plumping, electrical and air-conditioning services are provided.
“If we can get efficient services available from the private sector, it will lessen the burden of having to look after all that and also care for the patients.”
Dr Sharma said he had a large workforce, which was doing things that were not related to their core functions.
He said other developed countries saw as important that proficient people should be able to work in these areas, which was cost efficient and effective with the service provided in a shorter time frame.
“The purpose of the Health Minstry is to look after your health - it’s about nursing, doctoring, providing quality health care,” he said.