A recent report from the World Bank highlights the urgent need to reform Fiji’s healthcare system from a hospital-centric model to one that emphasizes preventive care and disease management at the primary healthcare level. This recommendation comes in response to the alarming statistics regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the nation, which account for 80% of deaths, particularly affecting the working-age population.
The report pointed out that the burden of NCDs has been increasing, rising from 64.1% in 1990 to 77.1% by 2019. Nearly 64% of NCD-related deaths in 2019 were among individuals aged 30 to 70 years, indicating a severe impact on the country’s workforce. The primary culprits of these deaths include diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
The World Bank estimates that transforming the health system could require an investment of approximately $320 to $340 million over a seven-year period, equating to about $50 million annually. However, they argue that this investment would be worthwhile, as primary healthcare systems have proven to be the most cost-effective means to enhance population health, promoting healthy lifestyles, early disease detection, and effective management of chronic conditions.
An effective primary healthcare system aims to reduce hospitalizations for complications from chronic diseases by addressing these conditions at their roots. The report emphasizes that Fiji cannot continue on its current path and must implement a combination of policy changes, actions, investment, and improved service delivery to create a healthier future.
This recommended shift in healthcare priorities presents a hopeful opportunity for Fiji. By investing in preventive care and management of diseases, there is potential not only to alleviate the current healthcare burden but also to promote a healthier, more productive population in the long run.
In summary, the World Bank’s report on Fiji’s health sector advocates for a crucial transformation towards preventive care in order to effectively combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure healthier futures for its citizens.
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