Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has issued a strong warning regarding Fiji’s current health crisis, particularly the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at the launch of the Fiji Health Sector Review 2024 report, he urged the nation to recognize the serious implications of the health emergency facing the country.
Professor Prasad emphasized that the pace at which health outcomes are deteriorating is concerning, and immediate action is essential. The newly released report calls for a substantial investment of $50 million annually over the next 70 years to enhance Fiji’s healthcare system and combat the increasing prevalence of NCDs.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Prasad stated, warning that without timely intervention, the economic burden of dealing with NCDs could escalate to nearly 7% of the country’s GDP. He noted that while the government has increased its health budget, current health expenditures are still just under the World Health Organization’s recommended 4.5% of GDP.
Professor Prasad cautioned that failure to act now would lead to higher costs in the long run, describing the current trajectory of NCDs as alarming. He stressed the importance of investing early to prevent further deterioration.
Despite the significant challenges, Professor Prasad remained optimistic about the improvements already underway, pointing to government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure. He highlighted renovations at the Nausori Health Centre, which now serves a population of 70,000 and has seen considerable upgrades from its previous state.
Progress, he said, may not happen overnight, but he is confident that “things are improving, things are changing.”
This situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Fiji to strengthen its healthcare system. With focused investment and community awareness, there is potential for significant progress in improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of NCDs in the future.
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