The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has expressed serious concerns about the inefficiencies in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services regarding the allocation and use of budget funds. Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, the FMA president, emphasized that simply allocating more money in the 2025 National Budget will be futile if the ministry cannot effectively utilize the funds it has received. He pointed to a troubling trend where the Ministry has returned millions of dollars in unspent funds in recent years, indicating a red flag for poor governance.
Dr. Vakamocea highlighted the ongoing critical shortages of essential resources, including medicines and biomedical equipment, despite the Ministry returning unspent funds. He urged the government to address the salaries and staffing levels of allied health professionals in various specializations to better serve rural communities. “Without adequate staffing, we cannot meet the healthcare needs of our population,” he stated.
The situation is further complicated by the absence of annual reports from the Ministry since 2021, leaving the FMA and the public in the dark about the effectiveness of healthcare strategies, including the government’s significant investment in the ASPEN hospital partnership. Dr. Vakamocea noted that over $90 million has been allocated to this initiative for the current financial year, yet there has been no transparent reporting to evaluate its impact.
Concerns about the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Service, which has been described as lacking proper governance, also surfaced. Dr. Vakamocea recommended outsourcing this service through public-private partnerships to enhance its effectiveness.
The issues with the healthcare system echo sentiments raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar, who highlighted similar funding inefficiencies and staffing shortages during her parliamentary debates. Kumar pointed out that, despite increased health budgets, the system faces significant operational challenges, including long job placement delays for new nurses and growing mental health needs that remain inadequately addressed due to budget cuts.
Both the FMA and Kumar’s statements reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for governance reforms and improved resource management within Fiji’s healthcare system. As the government continues to navigate these challenges, there remains a potential for meaningful improvements if there is a commitment to transparency and strategic planning moving forward.
This recognition of problems within the system provides a foundation for hope, suggesting that through collaborative efforts and proactive governance, Fiji’s healthcare landscape can evolve towards better outcomes for all citizens.
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