MHMS FIJI

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Official Remarks at the Opening of the 2025 Science, Technology and Resources (STAR) Conference

Honorable Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu

Event:     Official Remarks at the Opening of the 2025 Science, Technology and Resources (STAR) Conference

Venue:     Holiday Inn, Suva

Date:       Monday 24th November 2025

Time:      09.30am

Salutation:

  • The Chair of STAR, Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr Paula Cirikiyasawa
  • Representatives of the Government of Fiji
  • Delegates from the Pacific Community
  • Representatives of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
  • Members of the Circum-Pacific Council
  • Partners from universities, research institutions and development organisations
  • Invited Guests
  • Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honour to welcome you to the STAR 2025 Conference. For our guests from the Pasifika and those that travelled across the globe to be here this morning, bula vina’a, welcome again to your island home, Fiji.

This gathering brings together the people who have supported this network through its early work, its challenges, and its return to active meetings. Your presence reflects the strength of the Science, Technology and Resources Network and the significant role it continues to play across our region.

Ladies & Gentlemen, when STAR was formed in 1984 through the collaboration of the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the objective was to create a forum where scientific work could be aligned with Pacific developmental priorities.

For almost 30 years, STAR met annually and contributed to research, cooperation and practical solutions across the region. These meetings built working relationships that helped countries through periods of change, turbulence and uncertainty.

STAR hibernated after 2010 and slowed progress even though its value remained clear to many partners. Renewed interest saw STAR dominating the essence of discussions at the Regional Geoscience Steering Group Meeting in April 2015 confirming the regional interest to restore the network and “make it fit for purpose”. The subsequent meeting in Nadi in June 2016 marked that warranted return. Further meetings, including the virtual session during COVID-19, showed the commitment of individuals and institutions to maintain STAR’s presence.

For me personally, for any professional network to thrive, it must be relevant, dynamic to navigate the global headwinds and build in-depth capacity for sustainability.

Across the Pacific, there is strong support for STAR to continue. Countries have highlighted the importance of this forum in rebuilding partnerships and peer exchanges suitable for the Pacific context. Discussions have also focused on strengthening STAR’s administrative and financial independence.

This year’s conference, hosted by Fiji with support from the mining, exploration and quarries sector, is centred on the theme “Connecting the Pacific Islands Through Science and Technology.” This theme reflects our shared direction. Science and technology support learning, inform planning and deepens understanding of our environment. They also strengthen cooperation between countries. Each nation brings experience that contributes to regional progress, and each benefit from shared knowledge.

We acknowledge the Circum-Pacific Council for the special session on Urban Sea Systems, and the University of Queensland, the Pacific Community and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) for the session on Mineral Security in the Pacific.

The conference materials booklet contains abstracts that reflect the range of work being presented this week. Over the next five days here at the Holiday Inn in Suva, you will hear from scientists, practitioners and partners who continue to expand the knowledge reservoir supporting the evolution of science-policy interface in the Pacific.

The Day Field Trip on Maritime and Coastal Infrastructure in the Suva Area will take participants from Waiqanake to the Kinoya Outfall. This visit will highlight significant elements of our maritime environment and the infrastructure that supports our future needs. It will also provide an opportunity for informal exchange.

The STAR Steering Committee has prepared a programme and field trip that support practical learning and encourage future cooperation. Again, I would like to reiterate the Fiji Government’s support and its continued commitment to host the STAR 2025 Conference, but also in years to come.

As we begin this programme, I encourage all participants to engage fully and contribute openly.

STAR has shown its value during different periods of regional change. With sustained effort, it will remain a forum that supports scientific advancement and informed decision-making for the benefit of our communities.

Thank you for being here. I wish you a productive week and look forward to the outcomes of your discussions.

Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.

Closing Remarks at the Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Honorable dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu

Event:    Closing Remarks at the Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Venue:     FPBS

Date:      Monday 24th November 2025

Time:     08.15am – 09.15am

Salutation:
• Dr. Mark Jacobs, The Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific
• Senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
• Our technical officers, clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory professionals
• Representatives from partner agencies and institutions
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

A very good morning to you all.

It is my privilege to join you today as we gather to conclude the 2025 Antimicrobial Awareness Week with this Workshop for the Central Division, under the theme “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”. This gathering brings together an impressive and diverse team — of clinicians like Dr. Ravi, nurse and EPI National Coordinator Sister Litiana, our laboratory experts, IPC officers, veterinary professionals such as Dr. Magiri, representatives from Oceania Hospital, the FCGP, and many others who are committed to safeguarding Fiji’s health system. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to confronting one of most urgent health threats of our time: antimicrobial resistance, or AMR.

Every year, this week serves as a powerful reminder that antibiotics and other antimicrobials are among the most valuable tools in modern medicine. Yet today, they are under threat. As we have heard repeatedly from the World Health Organization and from our own data, antimicrobial resistance compromises our ability to treat common infections, increases the risk of complications and mortality, and places significant strain on our hospitals, our families, and our economy.

AMR isaffecting patient outcomes across our facilities. We hear stories of resistance patterns, treatment failures, delayed recoveries and infections that no longer respond to first-line medicines. These are early warnings we cannot ignore.

Our national efforts are anchored in the National AMR Action Plan, which calls for stronger stewardship, improved surveillance, robust infection prevention and control, and a One Health approach across human, animal, and environmental sectors. The work of our clinicians, pharmacists, laboratory officers, environmental health teams and veterinary colleagues all connects to this shared mission. A mission that is reflected in today’s workshop through presentations on antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, vaccination, AMR surveillance, genome sequencing, animal health updates, and research from our own facilities. We are strengthening the expertise that drives this action plan forward. This is not the end of our efforts and work must continue beyond this week — every day, in every facility, in every department.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is simply a reminder. The real change happens throughout the year — through careful prescribing, proper dispensing, good hygiene, appropriate diagnostics, consistent hand washing, and strong infection control practices. It happens when clinicians follow the national antibiotic guidelines, when laboratories strengthen surveillance, when pharmacists promote rational use, when veterinarians and agricultural partners ensure responsible use in animals, and when community members understand the risks of misuse.

I want to commend all of you who continue to champion these efforts, especially those who have contributed to research and training this week — from enhancing blood culture collection practices to strengthening stewardship programs and IPC standards. Your work saves lives.

I would also like to acknowledge our long-standing partnership with the World Health Organization, particularly the guidance and technical support from Dr. Mark Jacobs and the WHO Pacific team. Fiji is stronger because of your collaboration.

As we carry today’s discussions into our respective workplaces, I urge each of you to remain dedicated to the principles of stewardship and prevention. AMR is a challenge we cannot defeat through awareness week alone — it demands ongoing commitment, accountability, and collaboration. Let us all leave here with renewed determination to protect the effectiveness of antimicrobials, safeguard our health system, and secure a healthier future for all Fijians.

With these words, I officially close the 2025 Antimicrobial Awareness Week with this Workshop.

I wish you a productive and impactful session ahead.

Vinaka vakalevu.

EOI Vacancy

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from staff members for appointments to the following project-based positions. APPLICANTS ARE TO EMAIL THEIR APPLICATIONS TO recruitment@health.gov.fj

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ADVERTISEMENT
 
Vacancy No. Position Title Station Salary Band/Step Duration No. of Position(s)
EOI-NU 02/2025 Registered Nurse Suva Hub (2)
Labasa Hub		 Band F ($27,072.04 – $31,534.46) Until 31st July 2026 3

Job Descriptions Below:

RD Registered Nurse (HIV_SRH Project Unit)
Application-Form-MOHMS-FILLABLE-excluding-Medical-Officers

For further details, please contact Ms. Sereima Bauleka on
telephone landline 3215742 OR email to: sereima.bauleka@health.gov.fj

Application Process

The following are to be noted when applying:

1.      Applicant must personally complete the
application form and sign the Declaration at the end of the form. The
application form is attached.

2.   Applicant must ensure that first name, last name and date of birth
are the same as those on the identity documents.

3.  All communication regarding the application will be via email and
the applicant is to ensure that a valid email address is provided for
communication purposes.

4.  Applicant MUST submit the following:

    a) A completed and signed application form. Please note that you
need to fill Part 6 of the form which explains how you meet each Selection
Criteria;

    b) Current CV outlining qualifications and experience;

    c) Submit a certified copy of registration and/or valid
practicing license; and

    d) Copies of qualifications

5.    Applicants must declare whether they have been the
subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, if so, to provide details.

6.    Candidates who do not submit the required information
and documentation WILL not be considered.

 

Submission

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Monday 12th January 2026.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Click here for EOI Application Process.

Medical Professional Vacancy

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES

The core functions of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is to provide high quality healthcare through capable governance and systems to the people of Fiji. We invite applications for the following:

NEW ADVERTISEMENT

Vacancy No. Position Title Station Salary Band/Range No. of Positions  Job description
MOHMS 36/2026 Chief Medical Officer [Orthopaedics] – External Applicants Allowed CWM Hospital Band L Step 6 (MOCA A): Base 113,754.73 + On Call 28,438.68 + Environmental 17,063.21 = F$159,256.62 1  MOHMS 36_2026 – CMO Orthopaedics CWM Hospital
MOHMS 37/2026 Senior Medical Officer Namaka Health Centre Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 37_2026 – SMO Namaka Health Centre
MOHMS 38/2026 Senior Medical Officer Vunisea Hospital Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 38_2026 – SMO Vunisea Hospital
MOHMS 39/2026 Senior Medical Officer Taveuni Hospital Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 39_2026 – SMO Taveuni Hospital
MOHMS 40/2026 Senior Medical Officer Savusavu Hospital Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 40_2026 – SMO Savusavu Hospital
MOHMS 41/2026 Senior Medical Officer Seaqaqa Health Centre Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 41_2026 – SMO Seaqaqa Health Centre
MOHMS 42/2026 Senior Medical Officer Wainikoro Health Centre Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 42_2026 – SMO Wainikoro Health Centre
MOHMS 43/2026 Senior Medical Officer Navua Hospital Band I Step 5 (MOCA B): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 9,862.47 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$85,474.77 1  MOHMS 43_2026 – SMO Navua Hospital
MOHMS 44/2026 Senior Medical Officer Diabetic Hub Centre, Lautoka Band I Step 5 (MOCA C): Base 65,749.82 + On Call 3,287.49 + Environmental 9,862.47 = F$78,899.78 1  MOHMS 44_2026 – SMO Diabetic Hub Centre Lautoka

Application Process

  1. Applicant must personally complete and sign the application form. Download from:
    Medical Officers Application Form
  2. Ensure first name, last name and date of birth match identity documents.
  3. All communication will be via email. Provide a valid email address.
  4. Applications MUST include:
    • Completed and signed application form with covering letter (max 2 pages) addressing KESA/Selection Criteria;
    • Current CV with qualifications, experience and referee details (including immediate supervisor);
    • Certified copy of registration and/or valid practicing license (for clinical/technical positions where applicable);
    • Certified copies of qualifications.
  5. Applicants must declare any investigation or disciplinary action history.
  6. Incomplete applications WILL NOT be considered.

Duration of Appointment

Permanent Appointment until the retirement age of 60 years.

Personal Character & Eligibility

Applicants must be of good character and demonstrate commitment to Civil Service Values contained in the Fijian Constitution. Applicants must be Fijian Citizens, under 60 years of age, in sound health, and have a clear police record. The selected applicant must provide a medical certificate and police clearance prior to taking up duty.

The Ministry is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All eligible and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must address the required knowledge, experience, skills and abilities, as these will be assessed in determining suitability.

Submission

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Advertisement Type: New Advertisement
Due Date: 11:59pm Sunday 22nd February, 2026
Important Note: Applications must be emailed to recruitment@health.gov.fj

Open Advertisement

 

The core functions of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are to provide high-quality healthcare through capable governance and systems to the people of Fiji. We invite applications for the following positions. Kindly ensure you check the submission deadline before applying.

OPEN ADVERTISEMENT
APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED IN BATCHES AS PER THE NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY
LOCATIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE STATED IN THE RECRUITMENT PORTAL
Vacancy No. Position Title Station Salary Band/Range No. of Positions
MOHMS
87/2024		 Registered Nurse
[Includes External Applicants]		 Central Division (175)
CWM Hospital (144)
Eastern Division (73)
Labasa Hospital (62)
Northern Division (60)
St Giles Hospital (71)
Tamavua Twomey Hospital (17)
Western Division (149)		 Band F ($26,283.53 –
$30,615.98) per annum		 751
MOHMS
183/2025		 Driver As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band B ($6.56 – $8.13)
per hour		 Several
MOHMS
184/2025		 Medical Imaging Technologist As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band F ($24,989.57 –
$31,534.46) per annum		 Several
MOHMS
185/2025		 Nurse Practitioner As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band I ($57,173.76 –
$78,419.53) per annum		 Several
MOHMS
200/2025		 Pharmacist As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band G ($32,999.24 –
$41,641.91) per annum		 Several
MOHMS
237/2025		 Laboratory Assistant As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band D ($16,844.62 –
$21,026.05) per annum		 9
MOHMS
273/2025		 Dietician As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band E ($21,121.70 –
$26,653.57) per annum		 3
MOHMS
274/2025		 Senior Pharmacy Technician As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band F ($24,989.57 –
$31,534.46) per annum		 8
MOHMS
275/2025		 Clerical Officer (Human
Resources)		 As per the needs of the
Ministry of Health and
Medical Services		 Band C ($14,426.92 –
$17,934.57) per annum		 1

Application Process

  1. Register and login to the online recruitment portal through the link http://www.recruitmentportal.gov.fj
  2. Role descriptions can be obtained from the recruitment portal.
  3. Complete the online application by clicking on the relevant category and then the position you wish to apply for.
  4. Explain how you meet each of the Knowledge & Experience / Skills & Abilities (KESA) for the vacancy.
  5. Upload a current CV outlining qualifications, experience, and referees’ contact details, including your immediate supervisor.
  6. For clinical/technical positions only (where applicable), upload a certified copy of registration and/or a valid practicing licence.
  7. Upload certified copies of qualifications.
  8. Applicants must declare whether they have been the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action and provide details where applicable.
  9. Applicants who do not submit the required information and documentation WILL NOT be considered.

Duration of Appointment

Permanent appointment until the retirement age of 60 years.

Technical Assistance

For technical issues regarding the recruitment portal, contact the help desk via email at platform.helpdesk@govnet.gov.fj.

Personal Character & Eligibility

Applicants for employment in the Ministry of Health & Medical Services must be of good character, with a background that demonstrates their commitment to the Civil Service Values contained in the Fijian Constitution.

Applicants must be Fijian citizens, under the age of 60 years, in sound health, and have a clear police record. The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance prior to taking up duty.

The Ministry is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible and qualified applicants. All applicants must address the specific knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities required for the role, as these criteria will be considered when assessing the suitability of applicants.

SUBMISSION:
Advertisement Type

Due Date

Important Note
Open Advertisement

MOHMS 87/2025		 11.59pm Sunday 22nd March, 2026 The online application platform will close as per the vacancy closing date and time.
LOCATIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE STATED IN THE RECRUITMENT PORTAL
LATE, EMAILED AND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Open Advertisement

MOHMS 183/2025
MOHMS 184/2025
MOHMS 185/2025		 11.59pm Sunday 6th September, 2026 The online application platform will close as per the vacancy closing date and time.
LOCATIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE STATED IN THE RECRUITMENT PORTAL
LATE, EMAILED AND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Open Advertisement

MOHMS 200/2025		 11.59pm Sunday 13th September, 2026 The online application platform will close as per the vacancy closing date and time.
LOCATIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE STATED IN THE RECRUITMENT PORTAL
LATE, EMAILED AND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Open Advertisement

MOHMS 237/2025		 11.59pm Sunday 15th November, 2026 The online application platform will close as per the vacancy closing date and time.
LOCATIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE STATED IN THE RECRUITMENT PORTAL
LATE, EMAILED AND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Open Advertisement 11.59pm Sunday 27th December, 2026 The online application platform will close as per the vacancy closing date and time. LATE, EMAILED AND HARDCOPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Applications will be processed in batches as per the needs of the Ministry.

 

Click here for Application Process.