In 2022 and 2023, a total of 280 medical officers resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health, leading to a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have stepped down. Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, shared these statistics during the association’s 63rd annual conference held at the Hilton Resort.
Dr. Munshi expressed concern over the seniority of the departing doctors, emphasizing that the loss of trained specialists is detrimental to the healthcare system. He noted that a significant number of resignations have occurred as doctors transition to the private sector, which has contributed to a substantial outflow of medical professionals.
He suggested that the Ministry of Health conduct a survey to better understand the “push” and “pull” factors leading to these departures. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health, recognized the challenges posed by this trend, indicating that it significantly affects healthcare services in both primary health facilities and major hospitals. He acknowledged, however, that the rate of resignations has dropped this year.
Dr. Lalabalavu pointed out that the “pull” factors for doctors’ departures are difficult to compete against, emphasizing the need for improved working conditions and compensation. He stressed the importance of addressing both push and pull factors to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare, as human resources are critical despite infrastructure improvements.