Private hospitals in Fiji are reportedly using a loophole that allows them to employ under-qualified medical professionals, raising concerns about the competence of certain doctors who are operating as specialists without the necessary qualifications. This alarming trend has sparked discussions within the medical community regarding patient safety and healthcare standards.
According to Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, President of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), some hospitals are bypassing regulations established by the FMA, opting instead for a registration process through the Skilled Professionals Evaluation Committee (SPEC), which operates under the Ministry for Trade. Dr. Vakamocea stresses the importance of adhering to the established processes and calls for SPEC to recognize the legitimacy of the Fiji Medical Council, which has a robust system in place for ensuring that only properly qualified doctors are registered.
The current healthcare landscape in Fiji is significantly impacted by a shortage of senior specialist doctors, exacerbated by the resignation of over 280 medical officers in recent years, with 15 of those resignations occurring in 2024 alone. The recent findings align with previous statements made by Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the FMA, who highlighted that many resigning doctors have migrated to the private sector, prompting a pressing need for the Ministry of Health to explore the underlying factors driving this trend.
These resignations have a profound effect on healthcare delivery, particularly as public hospitals struggle to maintain quality standards amid a growing workforce gap. Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has acknowledged the detrimental effects of this shortage, particularly in primary health care and major hospitals. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to improving working conditions and remuneration for healthcare professionals, which is essential for retaining skilled labor.
It’s worth noting that while the issues at hand pose significant challenges, there are proactive initiatives underway to address workforce shortages and raise the standards of medical training in Fiji. Organizations are recognizing the urgency of these issues, leading to calls for legislative adjustments that would strengthen the authority of the Fiji Medical Council in regulating medical practice.
Addressing the systemic issues within Fiji’s healthcare system not only showcases the commitment of the medical community to uphold high standards of care but also indicates a collective effort to build a stronger workforce capable of delivering quality healthcare to all Fijians. By focusing on strategic improvements, including staffing retention and proper qualifications for medical practitioners, there exists hope for a more resilient and effective healthcare system in Fiji.
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