The need for an additional 2,000 hospital beds highlights the urgent improvements required to elevate the standards of Fiji’s health services. Dr. Basharat Munshi, president of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), shared this information during the 63rd FMA Annual Conference in Nadi. He emphasized that to provide adequate healthcare in public hospitals, this increase in bed capacity is essential due to the growing population.
Dr. Munshi raised critical questions about why actions to address this issue have not yet been initiated, considering the steady rise in population figures. Although Fiji has not yet reached a million inhabitants, the population is on the rise, making the situation increasingly pressing.
According to Dr. Munshi, enhancing medical infrastructure comes at a steep cost, estimating a need for approximately $4.6 billion Fijian dollars for such projects. He clarified that this investment is not required immediately but is necessary to reach desired healthcare standards in the future.
He also pointed out persistent challenges in the healthcare system, particularly referencing the outdated infrastructure at CWM Hospital. He noted that the hospital is currently unable to conduct elective surgeries due to limited facilities, focusing only on emergency cases. While some elective procedures are being performed at Oceania Hospital to alleviate the backlog, this comes with significant financial implications.
Dr. Munshi mentioned common problems such as equipment breakdowns that further hinder healthcare services. In response, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, acknowledged the challenges within Fiji’s healthcare system and expressed the ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Emphasizing the importance of a robust public health and primary healthcare system, Minister Lalabalavu also highlighted efforts to retain medical professionals, as the country faces ongoing challenges with the loss of doctors and nurses to other opportunities.
Recognizing the pressing need for more hospital beds and updated facilities poses a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for substantial improvements and investment in Fiji’s healthcare landscape. Both Dr. Munshi and Minister Lalabalavu’s pledges reflect a hopeful step towards enhancing the healthcare system, ensuring it meets the necessary standards to serve the population effectively.