The health system in Fiji is currently experiencing significant challenges, despite an increase in budget allocations, as identified by Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar. During a parliamentary session discussing the Consolidated Review Report of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the annual reports from 2016 to 2021, Ms. Kumar expressed her concerns about the deteriorating healthcare landscape. She pointed to several critical issues including staffing shortages, inefficient fund utilization, and poor management of healthcare priorities by the government.
Kumar highlighted the plight of newly graduated nurses, who are reportedly waiting up to six months for job placements, while current healthcare staff are overburdened. She particularly emphasized the alarming shortage of midwives, with only 200 available for around 300,000 childbearing women. The departure of 500 midwives last year has compounded the issue, leading to a concerning gap in maternal healthcare. Although 50 new midwives receive training annually with Australian Government assistance, the lack of a retention plan only worsens the situation.
Her concerns extended to the government’s capability to effectively use allocated funds, citing that $800,000 of a $1 million budget for staff quarters went unspent, and that less than $1 million from a $5 million hospital upgrade budget was utilized. Furthermore, she noted that millions allocated for special maintenance and medical supplies were similarly left unused, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to healthcare.
Additionally, Kumar raised alarms about mental health services, noting that funding for St Giles Psychiatric Hospital had been reduced despite growing mental health issues in the community.
In response, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad defended the government’s record, suggesting that the opposition is overlooking their administration’s previous failures. He argued that the current health budget, now around 4 percent of Fiji’s GDP, is a considerable improvement compared to past allocations and attributed the underutilisation of funds to various challenges faced by the healthcare system.
Mr. Prasad acknowledged the criticism but assured that the government is committed to a thorough review of the health sector to address these pressing issues.
This situation highlights the necessity for ongoing dialogue between the government and opposition to forge effective solutions for Fiji’s healthcare system. It also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and accountability in addressing the health sector’s challenges. While the current circumstances may appear dire, there is potential for improvement through collaborative efforts, transparency, and a genuine commitment to implementing necessary reforms.
Summary: Fiji’s health system is struggling despite increased funding, as highlighted by Opposition MP Premila Kumar, who pointed out staffing shortages and inefficient fund use. The government’s response, led by Finance Minister Biman Prasad, defended the budget as an improvement and called for a review of the sector. Ongoing discussions could pave the way for solutions and improvements in healthcare.
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