The healthcare system in Fiji is facing significant challenges, a situation that has developed over many years of neglect. This was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad during an interview coinciding with the launch of the Fiji Health Sector Review.
Professor Prasad pointed out that recent statistics and findings from a World Bank report clearly illustrate a decline in health outcomes over the past two decades. This decline has sparked concerns, prompting the Fijian government to request the World Bank’s analysis about the worsening health situation.
He explained that the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be directly linked to the neglect experienced over the last 15 to 20 years. According to the report, health outcomes were significantly better in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, before beginning a downward trend.
The deteriorating healthcare system not only poses a public health crisis but also creates an economic challenge for the country. The high costs associated with treating chronic diseases are increasingly straining the healthcare infrastructure. Professor Prasad highlighted that an investment in public health and preventive measures could lead to better health outcomes and reduced overall healthcare costs, thereby benefiting the economy.
He reminisced about a more proactive era in the 70s and 80s when healthcare providers regularly visited communities for follow-up care, preventing the need for costly hospital treatments. Unfortunately, that approach has shifted to a more reactive system, leading to increasing hospital admissions.
To tackle these challenges, the government is committed to revamping Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure. Plans include collaboration with the Indian government to construct a super-specialty hospital, upgrades to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital with assistance from the Australian government, and the establishment of a new national hospital designed to serve not just Fiji but other Pacific nations as well. Professor Prasad noted that these initiatives represent a significant shift led by the Coalition Government, emphasizing the urgency of improving health outcomes in the country.
In summary, while Fiji’s healthcare system is currently under strain due to years of neglect, the government’s proactive steps towards infrastructure improvement and investment in public health initiatives offer a hopeful path towards better health outcomes and economic stability. By focusing on preventive measures, Fiji can work towards reversing the current trends and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
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