Fiji is currently facing a significant crisis related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and unsatisfactory health outcomes that jeopardize the well-being of its population. A recent report from the World Bank, titled “Fiji Health Sector Review, ‘Mo Bulabula, ka Bula Balavu’ (Wishing You a Healthy Life and Long Life),” emphasizes the need for Fiji to strengthen and enhance its health system.
Despite making substantial progress—such as reducing its child mortality rate by nearly half between 1975 and 2020 and keeping patient out-of-pocket expenses low—Fiji’s healthcare system is under severe strain. The alarming prevalence of NCDs, deteriorating healthcare infrastructure, and an increasingly aging population have left the health sector in a vulnerable position, unable to effectively prevent or manage these diseases.
Currently, NCDs account for 80 percent of all deaths in Fiji, with a staggering 64 percent of those dying from NCD-related causes being of working age. The financial burden of this crisis is significant, costing Fiji around US$260 million (FJD 591 million) annually. The primary healthcare facilities are under-resourced and stretched beyond their limits, with a few hospitals, such as the Colonial War Memorial, operating at near-full capacity. Furthermore, there is an uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, with some public health nurses responsible for serving areas of up to 30,000 residents.
If the trend of rising NCD levels continues, projections indicate that health expenditures could increase to more than 2.5 times their current figures in real per capita terms by 2050.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized that investing in the health of Fiji is not only critical for public health but also for economic stability. He expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders collaborating to revamp the health sector, noting that this comes at a crucial time for the implementation of their National Development Plan. Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, added that the report provides an essential foundation for policy-making and decision-making, and they are already beginning to implement some of its recommendations, inviting partners to join their initiative.
This situation presents an opportunity for Fiji to revitalize its health system, focusing on strategic investments and collaborations that can lead to improved health outcomes and economic stability. The proactive steps being taken could pave the way for a healthier future for the nation.
In summary, the combination of challenges and strategic responses positions Fiji on the brink of health system transformation, with the potential for significant positive change on the horizon.
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