The Cuban Government has offered Fiji 20 medical scholarships to help in meeting the needs of the health systems in the country.

Public Service Commission Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said recipients of the scholarship will study for a Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine in Cuba for seven years.

Chand said as Fiji faces a shortage of doctors, all opportunities should be taken to increase the number of local doctors.

He adds applications for these scholarships are open to all members of the public.

Fiji and Cuba entered into diplomatic relations in 2003 and medicine was identified as one of the areas of cooperation that could be explored.

The offer for the scholarships was also made in an effort to enhance cooperation among members of the Association of Small Island States.