Hon. Penioni Ravunawa - MP

Building the Future of Health Professions Education

Simulation is not about replacing the human element of teaching—it is about strengthening it. It provides learners with a safe environment to develop clinical skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence before caring for real patients.

As we look ahead, sustainability must remain at the centre of our investments. This means ensuring the long-term availability of simulation equipment, reliable resources, trained educators, ongoing maintenance, and institutional commitment. Technology alone is not the solution; it must complement the dedication, mentorship, compassion, and experience that our educators bring to every learner.

By combining innovation with the irreplaceable human touch, we can build a resilient, future-ready health workforce that continues to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care for the people of Fiji.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱-𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻

A historic milestone for healthcare in Fiji and the Pacific.

Special announcement by Mr. Sumeet Tappoo world-renowned Singer, International Humanitarian & Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital Fiji:

"The hospital will soon provide FREE cardiac procedures for adults through its newly established Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory."

This expansion marks a significant step forward in the Hospital’s mission to ensure that life-saving cardiac care is accessible to all.

A new chapter of hope, healing, and service begins.

It was an honour to officiate as Chief Guest at the opening of the Health Professions Education Symposium 2026 held at the Pearl Resort, Pacific Harbour, this morning.

The symposium brings together educators, clinicians, researchers, students, and development partners to strengthen health professions education under the theme: "Practice into Teaching, Simulation into Learning: Understanding How We Teach to Shape How Students Learn."

In my remarks, I highlighted that investing in health education is investing in the future of Fiji's healthcare system. Our goal is to produce a workforce that is not only clinically competent but also compassionate, resilient, innovative, and responsive to the changing health needs of our people.

Quality teaching today leads to quality patient care tomorrow. Through stronger partnerships, simulation-based learning, interprofessional collaboration, and continuous innovation, we can build a health workforce that delivers better health outcomes for every Fijian.

I congratulate the Fiji National University, the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, the organisers, speakers, and all participants for their commitment to advancing excellence in health professions education.

Together, we are strengthening the foundation of a healthier and more resilient Fiji.

Hon. Penioni Ravunawa - MP
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services

Tender process advances for new 100-bed hospital | Fiji Sun Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said earlier this year that Fiji had completed its side of the process and that the project was now with the Indian Government.

With Daulomani Safe Home – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

LAUNCH OF THE MOHMS STRATEGIC PLAN 2026–2031

Today I had the privilege of joining the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Permanent Secretary Dr Luisa Cikamatana, senior management, healthcare professionals, development partners, and stakeholders at the launch of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Strategic Plan 2026–2031.

This Strategic Plan sets a clear roadmap for transforming Fiji’s health sector over the next five years, with a strong focus on Prevention First, Strong Primary Health Care, and Systems That Last. It reflects our collective commitment to building a proactive, resilient, accountable, and people-centred health system that keeps Fijians healthy.

As highlighted in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Today’s launch is more than the release of a document—it is a declaration of our vision for a healthier Fiji. The plan strengthens our commitment to primary healthcare, quality clinical services, health system stewardship, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and universal access to healthcare services.

I commend the Ministry leadership, health workers, development partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of this important national blueprint. The real success of this plan will not be measured by the words written on its pages, but by the positive impact it delivers to our communities across Fiji.

Together, we move forward with faith, purpose, and determination as we work towards a healthier Fiji and a stronger health system for all.

Hon. Penioni Ravunawa - MP
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services

The Open Merit Recruitment and Selection (OMRS) process, which required ministries and departments to follow a series of recruitment procedures before appointments could be made.

"The recruitment process includes advertising vacant positions, closing applications, sorting and shortlisting applicants, appointing interview panels, conducting interviews and administering job tests for candidates."
Hon. Penioni Ravunawa - MP
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services

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"While doctors and nurses are often the public face of healthcare, laboratory professionals provide the critical evidence needed for diagnosis, treatment, disease detection, and outbreak response."
Hon. Penioni Ravunawa - MP
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services

Laboratory professionals play vital role to healthcare While doctors and nurses are often the public face of healthcare, laboratory professionals provide the critical evidence needed for diagnosis, treatment, disease detection, and outbreak response.