The health system in Fiji is reportedly in a state of crisis, according to Opposition MP Premila Kumar, who highlighted significant issues during a parliamentary debate about the Ministry of Health’s annual reports from 2016 to 2021. Kumar pointed to a range of pressing concerns, including severe staff shortages, the inefficiency of allocated funds, and the overall handling of healthcare priorities by the government.
Kumar emphasized that despite an increased budget for health, the system is crumbling. She illustrated her point by noting that newly graduated nurses are waiting up to six months for job placements, while existing healthcare staff are working under extreme pressure. Additionally, she raised alarms about the critical deficit of midwives, revealing that there are only 200 midwives available for 300,000 women of childbearing age. The issue is compounded by the emigration of midwives, with 500 having left last year alone. Though 50 new midwives are trained annually through Australian sponsorship, they are not required to remain in Fiji, further aggravating the crisis.
Kumar also criticized the underutilization of the health budget for 2023-2024, stating that significant amounts earmarked for staff accommodations, hospital upgrades, and biomedical supplies remain unspent. She voiced her concerns over the health of women and the growing mental health challenges in Fiji, noting budget cuts to the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital despite an increasing need for mental health services.
In response, Finance Minister Biman Prasad defended the government, suggesting that Kumar and other opposition members were overlooking their previous governance’s challenges. He acknowledged the concerns regarding budget underutilization but insisted that the current budget allocation represents a substantial improvement, now accounting for around 4 percent of Fiji’s GDP. He indicated that the government is committed to addressing health sector issues and has initiated a comprehensive review of the system.
The ongoing discourse between government and opposition highlights the complexities of managing health care in a challenging environment. Moving forward, it is crucial for all parties to collaborate and focus on sustainable solutions to enhance healthcare services in Fiji, ensuring that both funding is effectively utilized and the needs of the population are adequately met.
In summary, while the current challenges facing Fiji’s health system are serious, the government’s acknowledgment of these issues and commitment to a comprehensive review offers hope for improvement. Addressing staffing deficits and ensuring that funds are allocated and spent effectively will be key to revitalizing health care for all citizens in Fiji.
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