The healthcare system in Fiji is facing significant challenges, according to Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar. During a parliamentary debate on the Ministry of Health’s annual reports, she highlighted critical issues including staffing shortages and mismanagement of healthcare funds, despite an increased budget allocation.
Kumar expressed her concerns about the health system’s apparent collapse, stating that while the government has increased the healthcare budget, the system’s functionality is deteriorating. She pointed out that newly graduated nurses are experiencing prolonged waiting times of up to six months for job placements, leading to increased workloads for existing staff. Kumar emphasized that there is a severe shortage of midwives, with only 200 available for approximately 300,000 childbearing women in the country. The exodus of midwives, with 500 relocating last year alone, exacerbates this issue.
Additionally, Kumar criticized the underutilization of budgeted funds for the current fiscal year, noting that significant portions of allocations intended for staff quarters and facility upgrades, among others, went unused. She also raised alarms about cuts to the mental health sector’s budget at a time when mental health issues are on the rise.
In response, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad defended the government’s record, suggesting that the opposition fails to acknowledge the challenges faced during their prior governance. He claimed that the current government’s healthcare budget is nearing the World Health Organization’s recommended standards, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing existing issues within the health sector.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the government has indicated a willingness to conduct a comprehensive review of the healthcare system, which may lead to beneficial changes in the future. By acknowledging past mistakes and actively seeking improvements, there is potential for progress in Fiji’s healthcare services.
In summary, while Fiji’s healthcare system currently faces serious issues, including staffing shortages and budget management, the ongoing discussions in Parliament signal a commitment from the government to seek solutions and improvement moving forward. With greater accountability and strategic planning, there is hope for a revitalization of healthcare services in Fiji.
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