Fiji’s Healthcare Crisis: Are Outpatient Services at Risk?

The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has criticized the decision to end outpatient pharmacy services at Lautoka and Ba hospitals, labeling it a “shocking move” that jeopardizes the health of Fiji’s most vulnerable citizens. FMA President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea articulated the Association’s discontent in a statement, asserting that the Ministry of Health’s directive damages the pursuit of accessible healthcare.

Dr. Vakamocea expressed concerns over the ability of private pharmacies, part of the Free Medicine Scheme, to handle increased outpatient demands, particularly emphasizing that elderly populations and rural communities would be disproportionately affected. He pointed out the alarming lack of preparedness for this new patient load, predicting shortages of critical medications including insulin and cancer treatments.

This development raises questions regarding the government’s fiscal priorities, especially in light of the $117 million allocated to Aspen Medical to supposedly enhance health services. Dr. Vakamocea questioned why essential services are being reduced despite increased funding, demanding clarity on the management of these public funds.

Additionally, parallels can be drawn from the wider issues plaguing Fiji’s healthcare system, most notably the ongoing medicine shortages that have hampered patient care across the nation. Previous articles have discussed similar concerns, highlighting the struggles of the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services in ensuring the quality of medicines supplied to over 200 health facilities in Fiji, which further complicates access to essential treatments.

The FMA is advocating for the immediate retraction of the outpatient pharmacy decision until a well-considered plan is developed to ensure patient safety and accessibility. They emphasize that the lives of Fijians should not be compromised by administrative redirection of services, particularly in the context of existing logistical challenges within the healthcare system.

Hope remains, as collaborative dialogue between the FMA and the government may encourage necessary reforms. Should authorities heed these warnings and engage with frontline health workers to effectively address the systemic issues, there is potential for significant improvement in healthcare access for all Fijians.