Fiji’s Healthcare Crisis: 130 Facilities Cut Off from the Internet

A significant number of health facilities in Fiji, totaling around 130, currently lack internet connectivity, as revealed by Margareta Norris Harrit, a senior health specialist with the World Bank. The majority of these disconnected facilities are nursing stations located in rural and maritime areas, where extending internet access has been particularly challenging.

Ms. Harrit underscored the importance of digital connectivity for enhancing health care in these underserved regions, explaining that having reliable communication can be critical for healthcare professionals. “Whether it’s a nurse or a doctor, the ability to reach a colleague for consultations regarding diagnostics or prescriptions is essential,” she stated. This connectivity can sometimes eliminate the need for patients to travel long distances for care when they are not feeling well, allowing them to receive assistance from their local facilities.

The absence of adequate internet services not only hinders consultations but also complicates patient care management, forcing healthcare workers to rely on personal mobile phones and seek out community Wi-Fi hotspots to access necessary information. Such practices, while sometimes effective, are inefficient and can disrupt patient care.

Improving connectivity in these rural and maritime areas would significantly enhance communication between healthcare providers, leading to better quality of care and potentially fewer patient referrals. Ms. Harrit noted that reducing unnecessary referrals could lessen the burden on both patients and healthcare facilities.

This situation highlights a crucial opportunity for growth and investment in Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in digital connectivity, which could dramatically improve healthcare delivery for many communities, making a positive impact on the wellbeing of the population.

This is not just a challenge but also a pathway towards enhanced healthcare efficacy, and with the right investments and initiatives, Fiji could empower its healthcare system to be more responsive and efficient.