The Ministry of Health has out-sourced its security at its health facilities to two private companies.

Grid Security Services Fiji Limited will now provide security services at all health facalities in the Suva and Nausori area, including Wainibokasi hospital while City Security Services Fiji Limited will man the health facilities in the Western, Northern and Eastern Divisions.

The two companies will take over from this morning. According to Health Ministry, staffs who have worked as watchmen previously are being absorbed into the Ministries workforce.

Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Salanieta Saketa said the Cabinet had agreed that the service be out-sourced as part of government's objectives in containing the size of the civil service and improving the delivery of service.

A total of 46 Health staff who worked as watchmen previously are now being re-deployed to vacant positions within the Ministry.

The two security companies have also agreed to absorb relieving watchman who were initially recruited as relievers by the Ministry.