Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Fiji (Ratification: 2008)

Other comments on C149

Direct Request

2019
2013
2011

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Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the adoption of the Nursing Decree 2011 which replaces the Nurses and Midwives Act, and regulates nursing practice, nursing education, registration, professional development, and the roles and functions of nursing institutions such as the Fiji Nursing Council and the Fiji College of Nursing. In response to the Committee’s request for information on policies and measures designed to retain qualified nurses in the profession, the Government explains that it has undertaken initiatives to improve the working conditions of nursing personnel, including a 3 per cent salary increase in 2011, a remote allowance and rent-free accommodation for nurses serving in rural areas, and increased training opportunities in the last three years. With regards to the private nursing sector, the Government indicates that 90 per cent of nurses in the private sector are registered under the Fiji Nursing Council and are members of the Fiji Nurses Association, with which management conducts all consultations. The Committee understands, however, that difficulties for the nursing profession persist, including overseas migration, low earnings, long hours and particularly challenging working conditions in rural areas. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information on any measures, programmes or initiatives, adopted after consultation with the competent nursing institutions and the Fiji Nurses Association, and intended to improve the working conditions of nurses and offer them sufficient incentives to retain them in the profession.

Article 7. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a draft work-care decree, which is currently under preparation, will replace the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1996, with a view to improving standards and ensuring more effective implementation of occupational health policies. The Government adds that it is taking steps to establish a code to address specific measures for the occupational safety and health risks faced by nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed on any progress concerning the finalization of the work-care decree and to transmit a copy of the new legislation once it has been adopted.