The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has voiced significant concerns regarding the mass departure of healthcare workers from Fiji’s public sector. Addressing the Free Medical Association Annual Scientific Conference, he noted that the global shortage of healthcare professionals poses a serious threat to Fiji’s health workforce.
To address this issue, Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted several government strategies, including increasing the retirement age from 55 to 60 years and correcting salary disparities among different healthcare roles. The government has also approved salary increases for all civil service employees, including doctors and nurses.
Since implementing these measures in 2023, Dr. Lalabalavu believes there has been a reduction in the high attrition rates among healthcare workers that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hope that this positive trend would continue.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local and overseas postgraduate training for healthcare professionals, stating that cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce is essential for providing high-quality health services.
Dr. Lalabalavu also mentioned the upcoming launch of the new National Development Plan, which aims to provide fresh perspectives and guidance for development in Fiji. He expressed enthusiasm for aligning the Ministry’s strategies with the new plan to establish a robust health system that incorporates innovation and technology to deliver evidence-based healthcare services.
Furthermore, he underscored the Coalition Government’s priority in enhancing health infrastructure since taking office a year and a half ago, noting their clear and focused policy approach to tackle healthcare challenges through collaboration, innovation, and decisive action.