MHMS FIJI
MHMS FIJI

Category Public Advisory

MINISTRY CLARIFIES STANCE ON OVERTIME PAYMENTS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 8 | 31 January 2026.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has noted the circulation on social media of an internal circular from CWM Hospital relating to overtime payments for medical staff.

The Ministry wishes to clarify that a senior management meeting was held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to address concerns on over-expenditure of overtime recorded during the past six (6) months. The discussion focused on improving oversight, coordination, and budgetary control.

It was agreed that overtime approvals would be centralised through the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, with Cost Centre Heads responsible for submitting requests under established procedures.

This approach is intended to strengthen financial governance, ensure accountability for public funds, and support sustainable management of the Ministry’s allocated budget.

ENDS

MINISTRY RESPONDS TO MISINFORMATION ON NIPAH VIRUS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 7 | 30 January 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to assure members of the public that Fiji is currently safe from the Nipah Virus.

According to a statement on January 27th by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, two (2) cases of Nipah Virus disease have been reported in West Bengal from December last year to date, while196 people who were in contact with the confirmed cases have been identified,  monitored and tested, with all remaining without symptoms and testing negative.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in India, Nipah Virus outbreaks have occurred multiple times since 2001 with outbreaks in West Bengal State in 2001 and 2007, and in Kerala State regularly since 2018.

In West Bengal, previous outbreaks occurred in 2001 (Siliguri) and 2007 (Nadia district). These districts are directly adjacent to Bangladesh, where near-annual Nipah outbreaks are reported, and share similar ecological conditions, including fruit bat populations.

At this time, there have been no cases of Nipah Virus linked to this year’s Indian outbreak reported in other countries. China has not reported cases this year.

Nipah Virus is spread from infected animals to humans and through contaminated food. Human to human transmission, through contact with an infected person or their body fluids is also possible, but less common.

Symptoms of infection range from no symptoms to body aches, headaches, vomiting, sore throat and fever. Serious complications included pneumonia, and encephalitis. Case fatality rate (the proportion of people who died from the disease among all people diagnosed with the disease over a period of time) is estimated at 40-75%.

The Ministry has assessed the evidence and in consultation with the WHO, advises that the risk to Fiji from the current Nipah Virus outbreak, consisting of 2 cases in West Bengal India, is low. However, it is advised that people who have recently travelled to West Bengal immediately seek medical attention should any symptoms develop. 

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation, as it does with other outbreaks around the world and will work with WHO and other reputable partners in assessing potential global threats to public health. Should there be a change in the situation that increases the risk to Fiji, the people of Fiji will be informed. 

ENDS

RESTRUCTURING OF SKIN CLINIC SERVICES AT TWOMEY HOSPITAL

PUBLIC ADVISORY NOTICE # 6 | 21 January 2026.

Effective from 1st February 2026, outpatient clinics will now only be held on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Updated Weekly Schedule:

  • MONDAY – Outreach Services & Dermatology Procedure Days
  • TUESDAY – Special Outpatient Clinics
  • WEDNESDAY – Walk-in Outpatient Clinics
  • THURSDAY – Grand Ward Rounds / Dermatology Procedures and Chart Reviews
  • FRIDAY – Walk-in Outpatient Clinics

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this adjustment in service delivery.

Date of Notice: 11/10/2025
Issued by: MANAGEMENT, Tamavua Twomey Hospital

KOROVISILOU HEALTH CENTRE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOLLOWING FLASH FLOOD, SERVICES REDIRECTED

PRESS RELEASE # 5 | 20 January 2026.

Members of the public in the Korovisilou area are being advised that the Korovisilou Health Centre has been temporarily closed after flash floods inundated the facility and adjacent staff quarters yesterday.

To ensure safety and allow for thorough cleaning and decontamination, the facility will remain closed until Tuesday, February 3, 2026. This two-week closure follows an on-site assessment and is a standard precaution based on past flooding experiences in the area.

Alternate Service Arrangements

During this period, health services for the Korovisilou Medical Area have been redirected as follows:

  1. All emergencies, antenatal/postnatal care, and birthing needs should proceed to Navua Hospital.
  2. Villagers from Korovisilou, Nakorovou, Yarawa, Navulivatu, and Serua Island should visit Galoa Nursing Station.
  3. Villagers from Vunaniu, Navutulevu, Naboutini, and Nabukelevu should visit Korolevu Health Centre.
  4. The Serua/Namosi health team will also conduct mobile “health on wheels” clinics for immunizations and general outpatient services. A public schedule will be announced once logistics are finalized.

The National Fire Authority and the Serua Provincial Administrator’s office are on-site assisting with the cleanup.

ENDS.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONARY HEALTH ADVISORY REGARDING CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES

PRESS RELEASE # 4 | 16 January 2026.

Members of the public are being urged to take good care of their young ones, as we undergo extreme weather conditions.

Parents, guardians, and childcare providers are strongly advised to re-enforce the following essential health practices:

  1. Maintain Strict Hygiene: Ensure frequent handwashing with soap and water for both children and caregivers, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
  2. Practice Respiratory Etiquette: Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their bent elbow. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands. Use of mask is encouraged to prevent the spread of diseases.
  3. Stay Home if Unwell: Children showing signs of fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea should be kept at home from school, kindergarten, or daycare to prevent potential spread to others.
  4. Ensure Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Check that your child’s immunizations are current according to the National Immunization Schedule. This is a critical layer of defense.
  5. Seek Timely Medical Advice: If your child becomes ill, consult a healthcare professional early. Avoid self-medication.

The Ministry is in close contact with all healthcare divisions, including the Pediatric unit at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, to ensure robust monitoring and response. We will provide the public with further updates as necessary.

Our collective vigilance and adherence to these simple, effective measures are the best way to protect our young ones.

END