To enhance service delivery and align with international standards, public dental clinics in Fiji are set to receive modern equipment and advanced technology. However, the deployment of these enhancements faces significant hurdles due to inconsistent power supply, particularly in rural and maritime areas, which may compromise the effective use of new technology and pose risks to sensitive equipment.
Dr. Jone Turagaluvu, Head of Oral Health, emphasized the importance of assessing how recent technological advancements can be integrated into the public system. He noted ongoing discussions with Fiji National University for assistance not only in acquiring equipment but also in ensuring that necessary materials and consumables are available for efficient service delivery.
Dr. Turagaluvu pointed out a critical gap: many dental graduates receive training on state-of-the-art technology but encounter a dramatic decline in available resources when they join the public health system. This disparity can impact their motivation and ability to provide quality care. “For them to have these resources made easily available to them is a lot of burden, but it also gives them more interest to deliver and improve on the services,” he stated.
Additionally, amid these advancements, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa mentioned the potential for solar power solutions tailored for smaller rural facilities to address power supply challenges. He also highlighted the prolonged procurement process for dental equipment, which can take up to three years, as a barrier to modernizing services.
This initiative follows similar efforts to improve dental care accessibility, such as the recent inauguration of the Nadi Dental Prosthetic Laboratory, which aims to decentralize dental prosthetic services and reduce travel and waiting times for patients, particularly in underprivileged areas.
Together, these initiatives reflect a concerted push by Fiji’s health officials to improve dental services, ultimately leading to better public health outcomes. By continuing to collaborate on resource availability and addressing infrastructure challenges, there is a hopeful outlook for enhancing dental care accessibility and efficiency throughout the nation.
These developments signify a proactive step towards resolving long-standing issues in Fiji’s dental health landscape, fostering optimism for a healthier future for all citizens.
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