Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) currently impose a significant financial burden on Fiji, costing the nation approximately $600 million annually through both direct healthcare expenses and indirect costs, such as lost productivity due to health-related issues. According to the World Bank’s Health Sector Review for Fiji 2024, if current trends continue, health expenditures could balloon to seven percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product by 2050, with per capita health spending expected to surge by as much as 250 percent.
The findings highlight a concerning issue: many Fijians are unable to achieve their full productivity due to poor health outcomes, with the main contributors to this growing issue being cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers. The prevalence of NCDs has increased dramatically, rising from 64.1 percent of Fiji’s disease burden in 1990 to 77.1 percent in 2019. Alarmingly, nearly 64 percent of fatalities resulting from NCDs occur among working-age individuals.
Despite these challenges, the report indicates that Fijians currently benefit from relatively low out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures, a status that should be maintained and protected. However, should Fiji fail to address the rising tide of NCDs and increase public health spending appropriately, there is a risk that households may start to avoid necessary care, which would further compromise health equity across the country.
Moreover, the report emphasizes that Fiji’s health system is not adequately structured to prevent and manage this growing disease burden. Transforming the service model to focus more on preventive care requires a robust primary healthcare system.
The official launch of this crucial report is scheduled for tomorrow at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, marking an important step towards addressing these pressing health issues in Fiji.
In summary, Fiji faces a critical juncture in its public health management concerning NCDs. While the current low out-of-pocket expenses are beneficial, there is an urgent need for strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure and preventive measures. With the right focus and resources, Fiji can turn the tide against NCDs and improve health outcomes for its population.
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