Fijians are currently grappling with significant medicine shortages that are delaying access to essential treatments. The Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS), responsible for the supply of medications to over 200 health facilities nationwide, attributes these ongoing disruptions to a combination of external and internal issues.
These health facilities include three divisional hospitals, 12 specialist hospitals, 21 sub-divisional hospitals, 94 health centers, and 47 nursing stations. Jeremaia Mataika, the director of FPBS, explained that some suppliers have not adhered to quality standards as stipulated in their contracts, resulting in substandard batches of medicine being returned and further compounding the delays.
“We sometimes discover that the medicines are subpar after procurement, necessitating their return,” Mataika noted, emphasizing that this includes medications for non-communicable diseases (NCD), which can lead to heightened demand and subsequent shortages.
Adding to the crisis are bureaucratic delays in procurement approvals, particularly those stemming from the Solicitor-General’s Office. These internal hurdles, combined with lapses on the part of suppliers, have created noticeable shortages of essential medications. Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, acknowledged this issue, stating that some supplier contracts were terminated due to non-compliance with quality standards.
“Upon identifying non-compliance, we take action,” Dr. Lalabalavu stated, noting that while some contracts have been canceled, the ministry is actively seeking alternatives to fill the gaps in supply.
The ramifications of the shortages are particularly concerning for patients with chronic illnesses, as the inability to obtain effective medications promptly disrupts their care and heightens health risks. Public health experts are therefore calling for a comprehensive reevaluation of Fiji’s medicine procurement process, advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Critics argue that the existing frameworks, governed by the Financial Management Act 2004 and Procurement Regulation 2010, are too rigid to accommodate urgent public health needs. A healthcare advocate remarked, “This issue transcends mere processes or regulations. It’s crucial that every Fijian has access to safe and effective medicines when needed.”
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has recognized the necessity for reform, yet until substantial changes are enacted, vulnerable populations in the country remain at risk.
In summary, this situation highlights a critical need for systemic reforms in Fiji’s healthcare supply chain to ensure that all citizens can access the essential medications they require, thus fostering a healthier future for the nation. Looking ahead, there is hope that these challenges will catalyze meaningful changes that ultimately improve health care delivery in Fiji.
Leave a comment