It has been confirmed that 15 doctors and 97 nurses and supporting staff have been listed to retire from the Ministry of Health next Thursday.

Spokesperson Iliesa Tora confirmed that the Health Ministry will lose a total of 331 staff but they will be getting some doctors and nurses back on contract.

Tora said they are currently looking at how many staff will be re-contracted and they will make their submissions to the Public Service Commission on the matter soon.

However, the Health Ministry stressed that this will not cause any disruptions to the health care services with staff already being briefed at all different levels on the service expected from the ministry at this time.

Meanwhile, over 300 civil servants from the Works, Public Utilities and Energy Ministry who are over 55 years will retire next Thursday.

Spokesperson Sainiana Waqainabete said they include workers of the Department of Roads, Water, Government Shipping and FIMSA.

However, to ensure services and projects are not affected, Waqainabete said they are planning to retain some qualified civil servants in consultation with the Public Service Commission.