Six Fiji citizens will become the first to initiate government’s efforts to ease the shortage of doctors in the country as they have been given the opportunity to study Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine in Cuba.
Permanent Secretary for the Public Service Parmesh Chand said the programme is a first of its kind between the Government of Cuba and Fiji and has been made possible with the encouragement and support of Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
He said it includes six years of study plus one year preparatory for Spanish Language training since the lessons will be taught in Spanish.
Chand said Fiji faces ongoing shortage of doctors and as such, Government is exploring opportunities to increase the number of local doctors.
He said given the manpower needed by the Ministry of Health, this offer to study medicine will definitely be a boost to the Ministry and Fiji.
He added that the Cuban Government will provide tuition, accommodation, meals, text books, monthly allowance and medical and dental assistance whereas the airfares to Cuba and return will be provided by the PSC.
Story by: Tokasa Rainima
