A total of 280 medical officers have resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health during 2022 and 2023, resulting in a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have left their positions.
Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, shared these statistics at the association’s 63rd annual conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday. He expressed concern over the seniority of the departing doctors, emphasizing that the loss of trained specialists is particularly damaging to the healthcare system.
Dr. Munshi pointed out that many of the resigning doctors have transitioned to the private sector, marking a notable trend of exodus in 2022 and 2023. He suggested that the Ministry of Health should conduct a survey to understand the factors that are compelling doctors to leave.
Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, acknowledged the impact of the resignations on healthcare delivery in primary health settings and major hospitals but noted that the rate of resignations has decreased this year. He stated that the factors attracting doctors to resign are challenging to compete with, highlighting the importance of improving working conditions, salaries, and addressing doctors’ concerns.
Dr. Lalabalavu stressed that while improving infrastructure is important, having adequate human resources is crucial for delivering quality healthcare, making it necessary to address both the factors driving doctors away and those attracting them.