In a recent report released in Suva, the World Bank has urged Fiji to overhaul its health service structure by shifting its focus from hospital-centric care to a model that emphasizes preventive care and the management of diseases at the primary level. This recommendation comes in light of the significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the nation, with approximately 80 percent of deaths linked to these ailments. Alarmingly, 64 percent of these deaths occur among the working-age population, leading to an estimated annual economic loss of around $591 million.
The report highlights a troubling trend: the share of NCD-related health issues has been steadily increasing, rising from 64.1 percent of Fiji’s disease burden in 1990 to 77.1 percent in 2019. The majority of NCD deaths in 2019 involved Fijians aged between 30 and 70 years, which is notable compared to other nations with similar economic conditions.
Key contributors to NCD-related fatalities include diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The World Bank estimates that transforming the healthcare system could require an investment of approximately $320 million to $340 million over a seven-year span, around $50 million annually. They argue that investing in a primary healthcare-oriented system is both cost-effective and essential for enhancing public health outcomes.
An effective primary healthcare system would prioritize healthy lifestyle promotion, early disease diagnosis, and efficient disease management. By managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension effectively at the primary level, the need for hospitalizations due to complications could significantly decrease.
The report warns that maintaining the current approach is inadequate and that Fiji must undertake a thorough reform of its healthcare policies, actions, investments, and service delivery to tackle this serious healthcare crisis.
This proactive approach heralds a positive shift towards preventing diseases rather than merely treating them, potentially leading to a healthier future for Fiji’s populace. By investing in prevention and early intervention, Fiji can improve health outcomes and reduce the financial strain of NCDs.
In summary, the World Bank’s recommendations offer a hopeful pathway for Fiji’s healthcare system, advocating for a shift towards a preventive care model as a critical strategy to address the worrying rates of NCDs and enhance the overall well-being of its citizens.
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