Chaudhry Challenges Government on Health Crisis: “It’s Lives That Matter!”

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has strongly criticized the government, particularly the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, amidst growing concerns regarding the welfare of medical staff at the CWM Hospital. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of prioritizing lives over financial considerations, asserting that “It’s lives that matter, not money, Biman!”

In response to remarks made by Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad—who suggested the health authorities should “sort it out” regarding the issues stemming from the removal of overtime payments—Chaudhry expressed disapproval. He pointed out that this directive affects the entire civil service, not just the Health Ministry, indicating a broader cost-cutting approach by the government. Contrary to Prasad’s assertion that funds are available, Chaudhry argued that the government’s inability to pay normal overtime reflects financial constraints.

Chaudhry also highlighted the statement made by Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, President of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), which warned that the exemption of overtime payments compromises patient safety and puts an unsustainable strain on medical teams already working under challenging conditions. He underscored the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in hospitals, which burdens the existing staff even further.

Chaudhry criticized the health minister’s dismissive attitude toward legitimate concerns raised by respected professional organizations like the FMA. He expressed disappointment that rather than engaging in a constructive dialogue to address the issues, Prasad chose to overlook the significant challenges currently facing the healthcare system.

Despite these troubling circumstances, there remains hope for improvement. The ongoing dialogue and advocacy from leaders like Chaudhry and organizations such as the FMA could potentially lead to necessary reforms in the healthcare system. Initiatives to better support medical staff may arise from this situation, ultimately enhancing patient care in the long term.