The healthcare system in Fiji is reportedly facing serious challenges, according to Opposition MP Premila Kumar. During a parliamentary debate concerning the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ 2016-2021 Annual Reports, Kumar expressed concerns about various issues adversely impacting the sector, despite an increased budget allocation.
Kumar noted that, even with a larger health budget, the system is deteriorating. She cited specific problems, including significant staffing shortages and underutilized funds. Newly graduated nurses often experience wait times of up to six months before securing employment, leaving current staff overburdened. Furthermore, she highlighted a critical lack of midwives, with only 200 available to support 300,000 childbearing women in Fiji. The migration of 500 midwives last year exacerbated this issue, and although 50 new midwives are sponsored annually by the Australian government, they are not obligated to remain in Fiji, complicating the situation further.
In her speech, Kumar criticized the government for poorly planning healthcare priorities, which she believes directly affects women’s health. She pointed out the underutilization of the health budget, revealing that a substantial amount of money allocated for staff quarters and renovations remained unspent. She also raised concerns about cuts to funding for mental health care at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital despite the rising mental health issues within the country.
Part of the government’s defense came from Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, who countered Kumar’s claims by reminding her and other critics of the challenges faced during their administration. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the complaints around healthcare and reaffirmed the government’s aim to address the sector’s issues, highlighting an increase in healthcare spending as a significant improvement.
Prasad also discussed the current health budget’s substantial allocation, which stands at approximately 4 percent of Fiji’s GDP, nearing the World Health Organization’s recommended level. He insisted that the government is doing its best to be transparent and proactive about the existing healthcare dilemmas, maintaining that they are committed to a comprehensive review of the health sector as part of their plan to resolve the challenges faced.
This ongoing discussion reflects the complex landscape of healthcare in Fiji, showcasing a blend of concerns from the opposition and the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges. There is a sense of hope that with increased scrutiny and dialogue, meaningful changes can be made to enhance the healthcare system in Fiji.
In summary, the Fijian healthcare system is under pressure despite a larger budget, with critical staff shortages and misallocated funds raising concerns. However, there appears to be a determination from the government to confront these challenges head-on and seek improvements, fostering optimism for the future of healthcare in the country.
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