A recent World Bank review has highlighted the urgent need for a transformation in Fiji’s health service structure. The report, unveiled in Suva, advocates for a shift from a predominantly hospital-based care system to one that emphasizes preventive care and disease management at the primary healthcare level.
Fiji is grappling with a significant public health crisis, as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a staggering 80 percent of deaths in the country. Disturbingly, 64 percent of these fatalities occur among individuals of working age. The economic burden is also substantial, with NCDs costing the nation around $591 million annually.
The report reveals a concerning trend: the proportion of the disease burden from NCDs has escalated from 64.1 percent in 1990 to 77.1 percent in 2019, with almost two-thirds of all NCD-related deaths occurring among those aged 30 to 70. The primary contributors to these deaths include diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
Transforming Fiji’s health system is estimated to require an investment of between $320 million to $340 million, averaging about $50 million each year over a seven-year span. However, the World Bank asserts that this investment is essential, as a primary healthcare-oriented system can provide the most cost-effective, equitable, and accessible means to enhance overall public health.
An effective primary healthcare system not only encourages healthy lifestyles but also facilitates early disease diagnosis and management. By improving care at the primary level, the rates of hospitalizations due to complications of conditions like diabetes and hypertension could be significantly reduced.
The World Bank warns that maintaining the status quo is not feasible and emphasizes the necessity of a strategic combination of policy changes, investment, and improved service delivery to overhaul Fiji’s healthcare landscape and combat the rising tide of NCDs.
This potential shift in focus towards preventive care stands as a hopeful and pragmatic approach to improve health outcomes in Fiji, driving the country towards a healthier future.
In summary, the World Bank’s report calls for a significant reevaluation of Fiji’s healthcare system to prioritize early intervention and disease management, which could ultimately save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
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