Medical lab professionals from private and public labs were a part of the 2-day workshop
In a landmark achievement for the medical laboratory field in Fiji, the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) successfully hosted the nation’s first-ever Haematology Skills Workshop.
The workshop, which brought together practicing laboratory professionals, final-year students from James Cook University (JCU) in Australia, and CMNHS staff, was made possible through collaborative support from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), James Cook University (JCU), the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (FIMLS), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
What began as a simple vision two years ago by Dr Aruna Devi, Associate Dean TVET and current Interim Dean at CMNHS, came to life with strong stakeholder collaboration and institutional commitment.
“I am glad that we could work together with the relevant stakeholders to bring such an important workshop to Fiji,” said Dr Devi.
“I am also proud that FNU is well-equipped to host a workshop of this scale, especially considering the specialised resources required, such as individual microscopes and a master microscope for practical sessions.”
The main goal of the workshop was to enhance diagnostic accuracy in blood-related diseases, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.
(L-R)JCU’s Associate Professor and Professor of Medical Laboratory Science, Donna Rudd, Dr Aruna Devi, Associate Dean TVET & current Interim Dean, CMNHS, Ailiee Ross, course facilitator and JCU academic.
JCU’s Associate Professor and Professor of Medical Laboratory Science, Donna Rudd, served as the lead facilitator. She praised the high standard of participants and expressed her eagerness to return.
“We are ecstatic to help with capacity building and look forward to coming back next year,” said Professor Rudd. “This is a life-long relationship we’ve formed with FNU, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”
JCU students who are now studying at FNU under the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan
Professor Rudd also announced plans to expand the partnership by bringing in more Australian experts to provide training in key areas such as transfusion medicine, biochemistry, parasitology, and microbiology. Additionally, she revealed plans for hosting an Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Conference in Fiji next year.
Ethan Pacifico
Under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility programme, JCU has also placed final-year Medical Laboratory Science students at CMNHS. One of them, Ethan Pacifico, described his FNU experience as “inspirational.”
“I’ve been overwhelmed by how open, warm and welcoming everyone is,” said Pacifico. “The professionalism I’ve seen at both the university and the hospital is just incredible.”
As the sole provider of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS) programme in Fiji, FNU continues to lead the way in strengthening the country’s healthcare capabilities. This inaugural workshop reflects FNU’s commitment to advancing medical education and practice in the Pacific region.