Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has announced that his ministry is taking steps to address the surplus of medical interns in the country. This issue was raised by the Fiji Medical Association during its recent annual conference, where seasoned doctors expressed concerns regarding the imbalance of a high number of interns compared to a shortage of supervisors and opportunities for clinical exposure.
During the conference, Dr. Lalabalavu acknowledged the challenge, stating, “While we are fortunate to have a growing number of young, enthusiastic medical interns, the current structure is unable to fully absorb them, leading to overcrowded rotations and limited learning opportunities.” He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to finding solutions to this surplus and noted that new opportunities may arise as they address the issue.
Additionally, Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), they are conducting a comprehensive workforce assessment for the entire ministry. This assessment aims to ensure the right balance of doctors, nurses, and allied health staff, which he believes will help alleviate burnout that many health professionals are currently facing.