Free chemotherapy for new cancer patients at Lautoka and Ba hospitals as Fiji moves to strengthen Universal Health Coverage
The Health Ministry has announced that newly diagnosed cancer patients at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals will receive chemotherapy medications free of charge. Under the scheme, prescriptions will be sent to Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services, which will supply the medicines to the hospitals for inpatients or dispense them directly to outpatients.
In a statement, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to Universal Health Coverage, stressing that all Fijians should have access to essential health services without financial hardship, regardless of where they live or their background. The move comes amid ongoing concern about access to cancer care, especially in a system where costs can be a barrier for some patients.
The announcement follows strong criticism from the Fiji Cancer Society, which had claimed that some newly diagnosed cancer patients at Aspen Lautoka Hospital were being asked to pay for chemotherapy drugs. Society CEO Belinda Chan described the situation as a policy failure and questioned the government’s adherence to health care promises outlined in the National Development Plan. Chan called on the Ministry and government to clarify the situation and act swiftly to ensure no patient is denied care because of cost. The Society has urged immediate action to guarantee universal access to treatment.
Lautoka and Ba Hospitals operate under a public-private partnership with Aspen Medical or Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd. The new policy to cover chemotherapy costs adds a concrete measure to the broader goal of expanding affordable cancer care in Fiji.
Beyond chemotherapy, the government has been actively pursuing broader cancer care improvements, including the potential expansion of radiotherapy services. Various statements from health officials have indicated discussions around establishing a radiotherapy center at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals under PPP arrangements, with ongoing reviews of the Radiation Health Act of 2009 to facilitate such services and ensure they meet international standards. While a dedicated cancer hospital has not been planned, officials say existing major hospitals already provide most treatment options, and work with partners and international agencies continues to advance radiotherapy projects and related legislation.
Impact and outlook
This move to provide free chemotherapy is a significant step toward reducing out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients and strengthening confidence in public health commitments. It aligns with ongoing efforts to improve access to essential medicines and uphold universal health coverage principles. However, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of pharmaceutical funding and how radiotherapy and other advanced cancer treatments will be integrated into the national framework. Stakeholders will be watching for clear guidelines, timely implementation, and continued transparency from the Ministry as services expand.
Summary
The Health Ministry has confirmed free chemotherapy for new cancer patients at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, with prescriptions routed through the national medicines system to ensure in-hospital or outpatient access. The policy addresses rising concerns from civil society about cost barriers to cancer care and signals a broader push toward universal health coverage, alongside ongoing discussions about expanding radiotherapy services through PPPs and legislative updates.
Additional context for readers
– The arrangement with Aspen and Healthcare Fiji Ltd continues to play a key role in how services are delivered at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, and the new policy reinforces the public-private partnership framework with a focus on patient access.
– Ongoing work on radiotherapy access and legislation suggests more comprehensive cancer care improvements may unfold over time, guided by international standards and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This could include clearer regulatory pathways and potential facility developments, even as immediate chemotherapy costs are reduced.
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