A total of 280 medical officers have resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health over the past two years, leading to a noticeable shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have already stepped down.
Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, disclosed these figures at the association’s 63rd annual conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday. He expressed concern over the seniority of the departing doctors, stating, “We have doctors who have been trained, and who are specialists. That caliber of people leaving hurts us.”
Dr. Munshi pointed out that many of the resigning doctors are transitioning to the private sector, with a considerable exodus occurring in 2022 and 2023. He highlighted a significant attrition rate among doctors, including those leaving for positions abroad or entering private practice.
To better understand and address the reasons behind this trend, Dr. Munshi suggested that the Ministry of Health conduct a survey to explore the “push” and “pull” factors influencing doctors’ departures.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu acknowledged the problem, noting its adverse effects on healthcare delivery in both primary health settings and major hospitals. He mentioned that, despite the challenges, the rate of resignations has decreased this year.
“The pull factors, we can’t compete with. It’s about improving working conditions, remuneration, and over time, listening to their concerns and addressing them,” Dr. Lalabalavu said. He emphasized that while improving infrastructure is important, addressing human resource issues is vital for delivering quality healthcare, necessitating a focus on both push and pull factors.