Diplomatic tie
FIJI has formalised diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Sudan following the signing of a joint communique' between the two countries. Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and his South Sudan counterpart Lieutenant General Nhial Deng Nhial expressed their desire to promote mutual understanding, strengthen the friendship and co-operation among its people. A government statement released yesterday said the signing also affirmed that the relationship between Fiji and South Sudan would be guided by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and other norms of international law.
Health facilities
FIJI will continue to address any shortfalls in the provision of medical services or facilities around the country. In his address at the 63rd World Health Organisation Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Hanoi, Vietnam, Health minister Dr Neil Sharma said health inequity adversely affected national development efforts, and Fiji was no different. "All efforts must now be geared to increased health efficiency with pharmaceutical, consumable and biomedical technological purchases to spread the budget allocations from 2013," he said.
Late equipment
THE Health Ministry has confirmed that the Sadyadri team from India will begin work later this week because of the late arrivals of equipment. Permanent secretary for Health Dr Eloni Tora said the delay in bringing over large quantity of equipment, drugs and consumables from India led to the delay in the commencement of the hip and knee replacement surgeries. "The Ministry of Health wishes to express our sincere apology to the patients and relatives for the delay in operation and assures the people that the hip and knee operation at CWM Hospital will now commence on Friday 28th September 2012," Dr Tora said.
MOB funds
THE Marist Old Boys MoBULAise committee has spent about $82,000 to develop Marist Brothers High School this year. Committee chairman John Grey said the money went towards a number of initiatives including the refurbishment of the school library, funding school teams to various national sporting events and refurbishing the school gym. "We want to bring the focus back to education because while we excel in the sporting arena, we also want to maintain that level of good education we used to have," Mr Grey said.