In a troubling trend for Fiji’s healthcare system, 280 medical officers have resigned from the Ministry of Health over the past two years, leading to a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have already left their positions.
Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, shared this information during the association’s 63rd annual conference at the Hilton Resort. He expressed concern over the seniority of the departing doctors, emphasizing that the loss of trained specialists is particularly damaging to the healthcare sector.
Many of these resignations have seen doctors migrate to the private sector, with an evident trend of attrition among healthcare professionals choosing to relocate abroad or shift to private practices. Dr. Munshi encouraged the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey aimed at pinpointing the underlying “push” and “pull” factors prompting these departures.
Acknowledging the significant impact of this situation on healthcare delivery in both primary health facilities and larger hospitals, Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu remarked that while the resignation rates have decreased this year, it remains a pressing concern. He noted that it is challenging for the government to compete with the appealing conditions offered by the private sector and stressed the importance of improving working conditions, pay, and overall support for medical staff. Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that enhancing infrastructure is vital, but addressing human resource challenges is key to providing quality healthcare.