The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has issued a grave warning regarding the increasing number of illegal and unlicensed medical practitioners operating within the country, which poses a significant threat to public safety. Association President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea highlighted the concerning trend of individuals entering Fiji on visitor or work visas who practice medicine without proper registration with the Fiji Medical Council. This makes them difficult for authorities to monitor and manage effectively.
According to Dr. Vakamocea, it is a legal requirement for all licensed doctors to prominently display their medical licenses in their practice locations, allowing patients to verify they are receiving treatment from duly registered professionals. This regulation is crucial, especially in light of recent reports concerning unregistered overseas doctors, including a case involving an individual from India who has been practicing illegally in Fiji.
He emphasized, “If they are going to a doctor’s visit or anything, the law requires that the doctor’s license be displayed on the wall, and patients can ask at any time to see this license. If the license is not visible or not displayed, then it is likely that the person is operating illegally and can be fined under the Act or even face jail time.”
Dr. Vakamocea called for enhanced medical and immigration laws to combat this issue, noting that while the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2010 prohibits unlicensed practice, there is an urgent need for improved cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the Department of Immigration. He believes that better information sharing would help ensure that foreign doctors are properly registered before they are allowed to practice in Fiji.
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa also urged the public to verify the credentials of doctors before seeking treatment and to report any discrepancies if necessary. He stated, “No one should be treating any patient locally without a valid practice license. Licenses are renewed annually and should be displayed in front of the office so patients can see and confirm that the practitioner offering medical services is current and properly certified.”
The FMA stresses that tighter enforcement of regulations and enhanced collaboration among agencies are vital to protect patients and uphold trust in Fiji’s healthcare system. These measures aim to ensure that all practitioners are legitimate and accountable, ultimately fostering a safer and more reliable healthcare environment for all Fijians.
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