A total of 280 medical officers resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health between 2022 and 2023, resulting in a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have departed.
These statistics were revealed by Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, during the association’s 63rd annual conference at the Hilton Resort on Saturday. Dr. Munshi expressed concern over the seniority of the doctors leaving, noting that many of them are trained specialists, making their departure particularly impactful.
He pointed out that a substantial number of these medical professionals are transitioning to the private sector, with a marked increase in resignations observed in the last two years. Dr. Munshi recommended that the Ministry of Health conduct a survey to explore the “push” and “pull” factors influencing doctors’ departures.
In response, Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu recognized the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing its adverse effects on healthcare delivery in both primary health settings and major hospitals. However, he mentioned that the rate of resignations has diminished this year.
Dr. Lalabalavu stated, “We can’t compete with the pull factors. It’s about enhancing working conditions, remuneration, and continuously addressing their concerns.” He added that even with improved infrastructure, human resources are vital for delivering quality healthcare, and it is essential to tackle both push and pull factors.