Over $6 million will be used by the Health Ministry over the next 3 years to recruit 170 graduate nurses from a private nursing school and the Fiji School of Nursing, as well as the setting up of 510 new posts.

Earlier this year, in seeking Government's assistance for the program, Health Minister Doctor Neil Sharma had revealed that the Ministry needed to address the issue of vacant posts created within the Health Care system, as over 104 nurses had retired as a result of the Retirement Age Policy that was implemented in April.

Ministry Spokesperson Illiesa Tora said Cabinet had approved the review of the National Nursing Establishment for 2010 to 2012 and this would see the creation of 510 new posts and the hiring of 170 graduate nurses.

Tora added that the need is great for new nurses as on average of 6 nurses retire each month and many more leave for greener pastures.