The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society (FPS) has voiced strong opposition to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) recent decision to eliminate public outpatient pharmacy services at Lautoka and Ba hospitals. FPS President Priyanka Prasad expressed concerns about the implications for medicine access, risk of confusion among patients, and potential safety threats to the health system resulting from this change.
Prasad highlighted that the discontinuation of services disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including the elderly and individuals with low to middle incomes who are outside the Free Medicine Program (FMP). These populations will now face increased challenges in obtaining medications that were previously accessible at the public hospitals in question. “Patients are facing substantial difficulty and delays procuring medicines that are not available through FMP,” she noted. Additionally, Prasad warned that this fragmentation of services could hinder communication between prescribing clinicians and dispensing pharmacists, leading to a higher risk of medication errors and treatment delays.
The FPS has urged for the immediate reinstatement of outpatient pharmacy services for non-FMP patients at both hospitals to ensure treatment continuity and safeguard patient health. This sentiment echoes broader concerns raised by the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), which labeled the decision as detrimental to the health of vulnerable citizens, emphasizing the risks of relying on private pharmacies that may be unprepared for the increase in outpatient demands.
The healthcare landscape in Fiji is already grappling with acute medication shortages, as highlighted by recent discussions regarding procurement issues facing the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS). Systemic challenges, including supplier non-compliance and bureaucratic delays, exacerbate the situation, making access to essential treatments increasingly difficult for many Fijians.
Despite these substantial challenges, there exists a glimmer of hope. Collaborative efforts between the government and health professionals could lead to necessary reforms in the healthcare system. Engaging in a constructive dialogue may ultimately improve access to healthcare services and ensure that all citizens receive vital treatments, thereby enhancing public health outcomes throughout the nation.
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