The Ministry of Health is making sure that it communicates with the Fiji Nursing Association to ensure they are on the same level in terms of what needs to be done.

This has been highlighted by Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. Jemesa Tudravu when asked about the update on the proposed industrial action by the association.

Speaking during the standing Committee, Dr. Tudravu says the association has lodged its grievance through the Ministry of Employment, and the Health Ministry has engaged in that process.

He adds that over the past three months, they have continuously engaged with the association to address the issues.

“The biggest number of health care workers in the ministry are nurses.so we have come in with an open mind and we have engaged in discussion and tried to address many of the issue that they have raised.”

Dr Tudravu says while some issues are quick to fix, others take time as they are policy decisions.

The Fiji Nursing Association raised concerns that there were errors in the recent pay realignment process conducted by the Ministry causing confusion and dissatisfaction.

They claim that some nurses have been paid the incorrect years of service due to improper records in the Ministry of Health system.