In the 2009 budget allocation, the ministry was earmarked F$158.3 million ($88 million).It has now been directed to reduce its costs to about F$80 million ($44 million).
A directive from the country’s Public Service Commission ordered government ministries and departments to reduce their working capital by half in the coming three months.
“Heads of ministries/departments are to work smarter — to reorganize and review staffing in accordance with this instruction, and to ensure that public service delivery is not compromised,” said a circular signed by PSC secretary, Taina Tagicakibau.
The new cost cutting measures, which become effective from March 30 directs government ministries to cease all acting appointments, freeze all contractual appointments for locals and expatriates, discontinue processing of advertised vacancies and freeze advertisement of vacant positions.
“All vacancies that have been recently advertised are to be withdrawn, said the PSC circular.
Tagicakibau said the commission expects all ministries and departments to be vigorous in the effort to achieve the stipulated 50 percent reduction in operating budgets.
A strict review of the enforced cost cutting measures will be undertaken in June this year.
The health ministry wants to hold discussions with the prime minister’s office on how best to implement the PSC directive.
Health Secretary Sala Saketa assured Fiji Television that health services won’t be affected and has also ruled out staff redundancies.
Her ministry is targeting reduction in telephone, electricity and allowance costs.
“My ministry is doing all it can to reduce operating costs. However, this won’t be at the expense of essential health services,” Dr. Saketa told Fiji TV.
Saketa said the health ministry will urge the interim government to give them special consideration to health services.
