Fiji Pharmacy Reform Sparks Debate Over Patient Safety and Global Standards

The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society supports the repeal of the Registration of Skilled Professionals Act, describing it as a necessary reform that enhances fairness, bolsters oversight, and safeguards public health. President Priyanka Prasad emphasized that the previous system had established a two-tier entry route, permitting foreign-trained pharmacists to practice in Fiji without undergoing essential checks mandated by the Pharmacy Profession Act.

With the repeal, Prasad noted that all pharmacists, regardless of whether they were educated in Fiji or abroad, will now be subjected to rigorous qualification assessments and competency examinations prior to entering the profession. “The restoration of the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board ensures that these necessary evaluations can take place, thereby enhancing patient safety, which must always be the priority,” she stated.

The pharmacy sector has embraced this change, acknowledging that it prioritizes the safety of patients and guarantees equitable treatment for both local graduates and international applicants. While Prasad acknowledged that the transition back to a statutory system might cause temporary delays for overseas applicants, she asserted that these adjustments are critical for public safety. She highlighted that streamlining the processes will ultimately minimize confusion in the future.

Prasad described the repeal as a significant advancement, pointing out that the previously weak entry pathways had endangered patients and undermined trust in the pharmacy profession. Importantly, she clarified that the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society does not manage registration applications; this responsibility remains with the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board, which will continue to oversee the registration process post-repeal.

Moreover, Prasad reassured that the repeal does not preclude foreign-trained pharmacists from practicing in Fiji. The nation continues to welcome international professionals, provided they meet the requisite standards. This reform not only aims to uphold patient safety but also to enhance the professionalism and integrity of the pharmacy sector in Fiji.