The Fiji Medical Association has raised concerns regarding the increasing shortage of essential and critical medicines in public hospitals. Association president, Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, has urged the Government to take immediate action to address this pressing issue.
Currently, there is a significant lack of reagents necessary for processing full blood counts, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient monitoring in various health facilities. These tests are vital for routine check-ups and for managing conditions affecting blood cell counts, such as infections, anemia, immune system disorders, and blood cancers.
Dr. Vakamocea indicated that unless systemic changes are made at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS), the challenges with medical supplies will persist. The FPBS is also responsible for providing medications and biomedical equipment, both of which are currently in critical shortage.
Dr. Luke Nasedra, medical superintendent of CWM Hospital, confirmed the struggles faced in obtaining laboratory reagents, attributing the issues to delays in the procurement process at FPBS. However, he assured that the lab team is actively working to resolve these issues and has implemented measures to ensure patient care continues. Tests are being redirected to other ministry laboratories and private facilities that meet quality standards, ensuring that patient care remains a priority.
While the shortages pose challenges, the proactive measures taken by hospital staff aim to minimize disruptions in patient management and maintain the quality of services.
This situation highlights the importance of efficient supply chain management in healthcare, which is crucial to provide the highest level of care to patients. Addressing these supply issues could ultimately lead to improvements in health outcomes for the Fiji population. With collaborative efforts, both the government and healthcare providers can work towards a more robust healthcare system.
In essence, this challenge presents an opportunity for significant improvement in the healthcare supply chain, which may lead to lasting positive changes in the delivery of medical services in Fiji.
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