The interim cabinet will meet from 11:30 this morning to make the final attempt to avert the looming strike by the Fijian Teachers Association, Public Employees Union and Viti National Union of Taukei Workers.

The unions are maintaining that they want the 5 percent paycut to be fully restored in August, retirement age to remain at 60 years and the COLA increments in the Partnership Agreement to be retained.

However Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama has made it clear that cabinet agrees that the interim administration just cannot afford to give into the civil service unions' demands.

With the Fiji Nursing Association strike also entering its seventh day, the interim cabinet is expected to announce this afternoon whether it will allow the strike to continue for an indefinite period as Bainimarama has told the FNA that he will not give into their demands.

Meanwhile the Health Ministry's National Operations Centre based in Suva said doctors at the maternity unit have reached the 7th day of their 8 hourly roster and would be expected to take some leave, which would mean that 3 doctors will be rostered for the shift instead of the usual 5. The Operations Centre said this will call for extra nursing staff to man the unit.

While many health centres around the country remain closed, all three divisions continue to operate for emergencies at the major hospitals and some general outpatient services at identified health centres.

The Health Ministry also anticipates that there would be some increase in the number of patients turning up to the hospitals and health centres given that this is the beginning of a normal working week.

The public has also been advised that doctors will be available at the special outpatient clinics such as for diabetes and hypertension to replenish medications and to give advise as required.