The healthcare system in Fiji is experiencing significant challenges despite an increased budget allocation, according to Premila Kumar, an Opposition Member of Parliament. During a parliamentary debate regarding the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ annual reports from 2016 to 2021, Ms. Kumar expressed concern over several issues plaguing the healthcare sector, including staffing shortages and mismanagement of allocated funds.
Kumar stated that even with a larger health budget, “the system is collapsing.” She highlighted that recent nursing graduates are facing delays of up to six months before securing employment, while existing health staff are overburdened. She emphasized a critical shortage of midwives, noting that only 200 midwives are available for 300,000 childbearing women, a situation worsened by the exodus of 500 midwives last year. Although the Australian government sponsors the training of 50 new midwives annually, they are not contractually obliged to remain in Fiji, leading to ongoing shortages.
Further criticism was directed at the underutilization of the health budget for 2023-2024, with $800,000 of the $1 million allocated for staff quarters left unspent, and less than $1 million of the $5 million designated for Labasa Hospital upgrades utilized. Kumar remarked that despite government claims of prioritizing healthcare, such financial management raises doubts about their commitment.
The mental health sector also came under scrutiny, with Kumar pointing out cuts to the budget for St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital, highlighting the increasing mental health needs in the community.
In response, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad refuted Ms. Kumar’s claims and criticized the Opposition for not recognizing the challenges they left behind when in power. He acknowledged the issues of budget underutilization yet defended the current budget as an improvement, citing it as approximately 4 percent of GDP. Prasad also reaffirmed the government’s transparency regarding health sector challenges and their commitment to conduct a comprehensive review to address these issues.
This dialogue highlights ongoing concerns about healthcare in Fiji, presenting both a call for greater accountability and a recognition of the complex challenges faced within the system. It showcases the potential for reforms to eventually strengthen the healthcare framework, bringing hope that with proper planning and utilization of resources, Fiji can enhance its healthcare services for the benefit of its citizens.
In summary, the article underscores the critical state of Fiji’s health system due to insufficient staffing and poor budget management, while also capturing the government’s acknowledgment of these issues and commitment to addressing them.
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