Fiji is facing a significant shortage of hospital beds, with an estimated 2,000 beds needed to adequately serve its current population. This concern was raised by Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association, during the association’s 63rd Annual Conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday.
Dr. Munshi noted that the country requires 3,000 hospital beds to meet the healthcare needs of its residents. He indicated that the deficit is likely between 1,500 and 2,000 beds. “To build facilities that meet the necessary standards for high-quality care, the projected cost is approximately $4.46 billion,” he emphasized.
Addressing specific challenges at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), Dr. Munshi pointed out ongoing issues with surgical theaters. “We are unable to maximize our capabilities due to limited theater space, which forces us to prioritize emergency cases while elective surgeries remain on a waiting list,” he explained.
To alleviate the backlog, some elective surgeries are currently being conducted at Oceania Hospital, though this incurs additional costs. He also highlighted the financial strain when essential equipment like the CT scan malfunctions, necessitating costly outsourcing.
Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu mentioned that the recently launched CWM Master Plan aims to tackle these healthcare challenges moving forward.