Measures have been put in place to ensure that people are not taken for a ride by those people who hold special permits to hold fundraising events for medical assistance while their reasons are not genuine.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Iliesa Tora said the ministry will now determine if a person needs overseas medical treatment or can be treated locally.

Tora said there are reports of cases where the public gave a lot of money for something that was never genuine adding that the Ministry will look into applications on the merits and provide assistance.

He added that no one will be able to hold fundraising unless there is a need for it.