Nurses welcome NZ aid – without conditions
Written By : MARAEA WAQALEVU. Plans by the New Zealand government to contribute $4.5 million to support and strengthen nursing in the Pacific with Fiji to benefit from the assistance have been welcomed by the Fiji Nursing Association
Association general secretary, Kuini Lutua said the aid would be a big boost for Fiji as long as it came without conditions.
“We welcome the aid, but it has to be without any conditions whatsoever. Our country definitely needs that kind of assistance as far as financial help is concerned,” said Mrs Lutua.
She said it was a positive sign to have countries like Australia and New Zealand trying to strengthen the health sector in the country. “We can’t afford to have a big intake in nursing school and in so many instances, we have school leavers who have the marks to get in to FNS, yet don’t get in because we can’t afford to educate them,” said Mrs Lutua.
“To have countries like Australia and New Zealand want to help out is a very great sign.”
She said the interim government should be continuously asked to negotiate with Australia and NZ to help Fiji
NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters said the financial assistance would be channeled through the World health Organisation over three years.
And interim Health minister, Dr Jiko Luveni said the New Zealand government should be thanked for considering Fiji as a beneficiary to part of the aid.
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