The Fiji Cancer Society is drawing attention to critical gaps in palliative care services for patients with life-limiting illnesses, particularly in the context of natural disasters. Belinda Chan, the society’s Chief Executive Officer, raised these concerns during the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Nadi.
Ms. Chan emphasized that attention to palliative care has been insufficient, particularly during emergencies when chronic patients require ongoing support. She stated, “More patients need ongoing care during disasters. So that’s not really being addressed.” The society intends to review existing disaster frameworks to identify solutions for providing essential palliative care in such situations. “I need to check what is in the disaster plan, if there’s anything for palliative cases,” she noted, highlighting the need for collaboration with relevant organizations to ensure support for these vulnerable patients.
The urgency goes beyond cancer care. Ms. Chan pointed out that palliative care is also crucial for individuals suffering from other life-limiting conditions, such as diabetes and stroke. During disasters, patients with chronic issues like amputations require consistent care, and she raised concerns regarding whether the needs of these patients are being met in both evacuation centers and post-disaster home settings.
Ms. Chan also stressed the necessity of increased investment in palliative care. She noted that all patients with life-limiting illnesses, not just cancer patients, deserve dignity, respect, and appropriate care. In her discussions, she mentioned the plight of paraplegics and other seriously ill patients who often feel abandoned due to a lack of caregiver support. “What support is available for these families? It isn’t easy to care for someone who is seriously ill,” she said, drawing attention to the pressing need for support systems for caregivers.
In an expansion of its focus, the Fiji Cancer Society is now also addressing issues related to alcohol consumption and the intersection of climate change and health, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive approach to health challenges.
The issue of mental health was highlighted concurrently, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announcing Fiji’s plans to ramp up investment in mental healthcare services. Low mental health funding, stigma, and data gaps are significant barriers that have been recognized, particularly as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rise in Fiji. As Rabuka articulated, the need for a collective effort to tackle these intertwined health issues is evident, especially given the increasing impact of climate change and food insecurity on health outcomes.
This commitment is not just a national concern but a shared regional challenge, as all Pacific nations face increasing health pressures. The collaborative discussions at the WHO meeting aim to foster a united front in improving health systems, which bodes well for a healthier future across the region. Stakeholder engagement and the focus on equitable access to health resources reflect a hopeful commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes in Fiji.
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