The Health Ministry in Fiji is preparing to conduct a comprehensive review of the Medical and Dental Act of 2011, responding to the evolving demands of the dental profession and the necessity for improved patient care. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa acknowledged that the current legislation is outdated and fails to address contemporary needs within the dental sector, with cabinet discussions on proposed updates anticipated to start before the year’s end.
Key proposed changes to the act include granting recognition to maxillofacial surgeons as consultants, introducing clinical dental technicians into the healthcare framework, and expanding the member capacity of the Fiji Dental Council. There is a notable concern regarding the representation of over 140 dental professionals, particularly from the public sector, who currently lack a voice on the council.
Ravunawa emphasized that by legally enabling clinical dental technicians to take patient impressions and independently fabricate dentures, healthcare costs could be significantly reduced while boosting access to dental services in remote areas. He illustrated this point by suggesting that sending one technician to a locality like Taveuni could eliminate the need for a dentist, thus minimizing the associated expenses of salary, accommodation, and other logistical considerations.
Dr. Jone Turagaluvu, head of Oral Health, stated that this review will address the critical gaps currently affecting the dental profession and highlighted the importance of incorporating specialized services that have not been part of the existing legislation.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to tackle the shortage of dental professionals in Fiji, where the current ratio stands alarmingly at one dentist for approximately every 13,000 individuals. These upgrades are not just legal modifications but a strategic move towards improving access and quality of dental care across the Fijian population.
Reviewing and modernizing dental legislation reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of healthcare in Fiji. It symbolizes a commitment to adapt healthcare systems to evolving needs, ensuring the well-being of all citizens while fostering greater professional representation within dental care frameworks. Overall, the prospects for advancing oral health services through legislative reforms raise optimism for enhanced healthcare delivery throughout the nation.
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