Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, President of the Fiji Medical Association, expressed his support for the repeal of the Registration of Skilled Professionals Act, viewing it as a crucial step in restoring regulatory oversight and enhancing public safety within the healthcare sector. The decision is welcomed by several professional organizations, including the Fiji College of General Practitioners and the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society, which had previously voiced concerns regarding the Skilled Professionals Evaluation Committee (SPEC).
Dr. Vakamocea pointed out that SPEC had undermined the authority of established professional bodies that are responsible for assessing qualifications and screening medical specialists. He noted that the creation of SPEC allowed individuals who may not meet the requisite skill levels to practice in Fiji, thereby posing risks to patient safety.
He clarified that the repeal of SPEC will not deter the entry of qualified foreign medical specialists into Fiji, as the country remains open to professionals who can contribute to specialized healthcare services. However, Dr. Vakamocea emphasized the association’s opposition to fast-tracking entry for entry-level doctors or general MBBS graduates, stressing the need to protect job opportunities for local medical graduates—over 200 of whom graduate annually from local universities.
The FMA President indicated past instances where private hospitals favored SPEC for its expedited approval process, often at the expense of quality and safety. He cited specific cases where foreign pharmacists approved through SPEC subsequently failed mandatory Australian certification exams necessary for practice in Fiji.
With the repeal in effect, all applications from foreign medical professionals will now go through the Fiji Medical Council and relevant professional bodies. Dr. Vakamocea advised prospective applicants to submit their applications one to two months in advance, as additional time will be needed to verify documentation—especially for those whose qualifications are not presented in English.
He also warned of potential minor delays in processing applications, particularly those already pending under SPEC, in addition to the expected influx of new local medical graduates. The FMA will collaborate closely with the Medical Council to ensure stringent screening and adherence to Fiji’s professional standards, ensuring a safer healthcare environment for all residents.
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