The International Council of Nurses has expressed its solidarity and concern for the members of the Fiji Nursing Association who are currently on strike.

Council consultant Doctor Mireille Kingma said the struggle to safeguard nurses' rights to a decent wage and working conditions is very difficult, particularly when negotiations take place in the current environment in Fiji.

Doctor Kingma said the council's thoughts are with the Fiji nurses and the population they strive to serve to the best of their ability.

She has also indicated that ICN is ready to provide any assistance to the Fiji Nursing Association.

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of 129 national nurses' associations representing millions of nurses worldwide.

Meanwhile Australian Nursing Federation Secretary, Jill Iliffe has sent best wishes to FNA members.

The Australian union said nursing is a difficult and demanding occupation but it is also an essential one. Iliffe said nurses and their families should not suffer because the government cannot manage the economy.