A COMMUNITY health worker who helps look after 350 people in three settlements says seeing people recover is what keeps her going.
Ravina Vijay, who works with the residents of Waimasi, Navudi and Navai in Seaqaqa, attended the graduation of 17 health workers in Labasa yesterday.
"It's not an easy job but treating sick people and seeing them recover always gives me a good feeling.
"I have been a community health worker for two years and I visit the settlements of Waimasi, Navudi and Navai every month," she said.
Divisional planning officer north Alipate Bolalevu told the 17 health workers: "It's not about your suit, it's not about your certificates but it's about the work you do and you need to value it.
"We will always support community health workers and all the village work you do in ensuring we live in a healthy and wealthy community," Mr Bolalevu said.
Minister for Health Doctor Neil Sharma challenged the health workers not to lose heart when faced with problems.
"Problems are actually challenges and there is always a solution to a problem. We just need to work around it.
"You are the first batch of community health workers and I would like to see you working with village headmen and elders in villages or settlements who have worked in the civil service," Dr Sharma said.
He told the community workers their hard work was recognised and the ministry would continue to support their work.
"I expect you to be compensated in some way, maybe a stipend so you can also be committed to time and your work in the community," Dr Sharma said.