Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad is urging health officials to enhance their planning to mitigate ongoing medicine shortages plaguing the country. During a town hall forum in Labasa, Professor Prasad voiced his acknowledgment of public frustration over the persisting issue, especially in the Northern Division, asserting, “This is something that simply shouldn’t be happening.”
He asserted that the Ministry of Health has sufficient funding to address the problem and emphasized the need for better management of medical supplies. To this end, he outlined steps taken by the government, including the establishment of a new pharmaceutical storage facility at Labasa Hospital, which now distributes medications throughout Vanua Levu. This initiative is part of a broader effort to fortify Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure amid the ongoing challenges.
To strengthen inventory oversight, the government has implemented the mSupply system, an electronic logistics management information system that enables real-time stock data sharing between medical staff and central offices. This proactive measure aims to prevent stockouts before they happen.
In addition to infrastructural improvements, Professor Prasad mentioned new agreements with the Indian Government to boost the medicine supply pipeline and ensure affordability for the public health sector. However, he admitted that challenges remain, as sudden outbreaks and surges in demand can still disrupt supply chains.
Echoing this sentiment, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has previously acknowledged the considerable hurdles the Ministry of Health faces in procuring essential medications, emphasizing the need for quick reassessment of procurement practices. Both officials express optimism that ongoing efforts and collaboration among healthcare stakeholders will lead to significant advancements in meeting the medical needs of all Fijians.
Recent discussions have underscored the urgency for reform within the procurement system, specializing in transparency and efficiency, to foster timely access to crucial medications. As these reforms take shape, there is hope for a more resilient healthcare system in Fiji, ultimately benefiting the population’s health outcomes in the future.
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