Dr Malani explains the process of endoscopy to Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Jone Usamate during his tour of the operating theatre.Photo:SUPPLIED.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon Jone Usamate had the opportunity today to witness first hand training of local medical officers in the field of Gastroenterology and endoscopy that is currently underway at Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Minister Usamate while encouraging the medical officers to share their experiences in this field said that the participants should take advantage of this training and put it to good use.
Professor of Fiji School of Medicine, Dr Joji Malani said the exercise has been created to address the need for local specialist training in Gastroenterology in the South Pacific, which had previously been absent in the region.
“With this training, local and regional medical officers are able to share knowledge and skills in the area of Gastroenterology and endoscopy treatment,” Dr Malani said.
“Another advantage of this training is that local doctors are able to perform it locally and people do not have to go overseas for treatment.”
Dr Malani highlighted one of the major setbacks in the past is the lack of local specialist training has been conducive to the “brain drain” being witnessed in the region.
“However with the introduction of local postgraduate programmes, there has been a decrease in doctors going overseas as most of them are now able to diagnose and treat diseases without leaving the country.”
“A total of 100 doctors and nurses have been trained in this area and acquired recognition.”
The one month training is conducted by Australian and New Zealand Gastroenterology International Training Association.
Press Release