The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is intensifying its support for midwives, particularly those operating in remote and maritime regions where access to healthcare is limited. Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, announced that the ministry is enhancing support through a workforce strategy that includes creating specific positions for midwives and implementing comprehensive training programs. The development of robust health policies aims to ensure continuous care for women throughout their pregnancy and into early childhood for their newborns, including full immunization coverage.
Ravunawa emphasized the importance of maternal and child health nurses in tracking and immunizing children who may otherwise default on receiving essential vaccinations. These efforts align with universal health coverage standards adopted globally.
The Head of Family Health, Dr. Rachel Devi, reiterated the significance of providing vital medical support to women and children, underscoring that the ministry’s initiatives aim to improve maternal and child health comprehensively. These steps are crucial for ensuring a healthier future for Fijian mothers and their children.
The current initiative is set against the backdrop of Fiji’s ongoing challenge in the healthcare sector, particularly the shortage of midwives and healthcare professionals. Previously, the public health system faced a shortfall, needing an estimated 300 or more midwives to meet population demands. Despite ongoing recruitment and training efforts supported by entities like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the World Health Organization, and the Ministry of Health, attrition remains a significant obstacle.
Training institutions are currently limited in capacity, accepting only 40 midwife students annually. This constraint exacerbates the shortage, stressing the need for financial support to sponsor additional nurses and expand training institution offerings. Immediate measures have included the re-employment of retired midwives as a stopgap solution.
These enhanced efforts by the Ministry reflect a continued commitment to addressing healthcare challenges and future-proofing the sector. With sustained funding, an expanded capacity for training, and stronger retention strategies, Fiji is forging a path to a more resilient healthcare framework. This proactive approach not only ensures better care for mothers and children but also fosters resilience within the healthcare system, signaling hope for sustainable health solutions in the nation’s future.
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