The health system in Fiji is reportedly experiencing significant challenges, despite an increase in budget allocations, as outlined by Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar. During a parliamentary debate regarding the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ 2016-2021 Annual Reports, Kumar raised concerns about various issues plaguing the healthcare sector, such as staffing shortages, underutilized funds, and inadequate government prioritization in healthcare.
Kumar emphasized that even with enhanced funding, the healthcare system appears to be on the brink of collapse. She cited specific instances of concern, including newly graduated nurses facing delays of up to six months for employment and existing health staff being overburdened. The shortage of midwives was particularly alarming, with only 200 midwives available for a community of 300,000 childbearing women. Last year saw the migration of 500 midwives, while only 50 new midwives are trained each year under the Australian Government’s sponsorship, creating further strain on women’s health services.
Beyond staffing issues, Kumar pointed out that a significant portion of the health budget for 2023-2024 remains unspent. Specifically, she noted that $800,000 earmarked for staff quarters went unused and nearly all of the $5 million designated for upgrades to Labasa Hospital was unspent. She expressed concern about the impact of these underutilizations on the healthcare system’s efficacy.
In response to these allegations, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad defended the government, suggesting that the opposition fails to recognize the challenges it faced during its own governance. He urged for honesty regarding past administrations while addressing the need to acknowledge mistakes made while in power. Prasad insisted that the current health budget, which constitutes about 4% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, reflects a continuous commitment to improving healthcare in the country.
There is potential hope for Fiji’s health system as the government acknowledges the challenges it faces and has called for a comprehensive review of the sector. Engaging in an open dialogue about these issues might pave the way for improved strategies and solutions moving forward.
Overall, while significant obstacles persist, increased awareness and recognition of the complexities within Fiji’s healthcare system may lead to meaningful reforms aimed at improving health outcomes for all citizens.
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