Fiji’s Health Ministry is actively addressing a critical shortage of specialists in key medical fields such as endoscopy, with a strong emphasis on long-term capacity building. Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu made this announcement during the launch of the Family Planning and Commitment Policy in Suva, where he also shared that renovations on essential surgical theatres are progressing.
Highlighting the need for more specialists, Dr. Lalabalavu stated, “There are certain fields within the Ministry of Health that we do not have a good number of professionals serving in them. It is about building capacity.” This includes not only increasing the number of trained specialists but also enhancing the capabilities within areas facing shortages.
International partners, including Australia and New Zealand, have shown interest in establishing a standalone unit for endoscopic services, which Dr. Lalabalavu is considering. However, the immediate challenge is managing theatre capacity, with renovations to four operating theatres at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) expected to complete shortly.
In the broader context, health professionals have recently raised alarms about the pressing need for hospital beds in Fiji, with an estimated shortfall of between 1,500 to 2,000. The outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr. Basharat Munshi, emphasized that the financial investment required to address these shortcomings could reach approximately $4.46 billion.
Dr. Munshi has also pointed out challenges at CWM Hospital regarding limited operating theatres, which compel the hospital to prioritize emergency surgeries over elective procedures. Amid these struggles, the newly announced CWM master plan aims to tackle the critical issues within Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, fostering hope for improved healthcare services in the future.
These initiatives signify a proactive commitment by the government, demonstrating a willingness to invest in reinforcing the nation’s health system. The community continues to advocate for necessary reforms, emphasizing resilience and a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for all Fijians, aiming for a brighter and healthier future.
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