Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran has emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), to tackle the significant healthcare challenges facing Fiji. During her address at the FMA Mini Conference 2025 held at the Holiday Inn, Kiran underscored the necessity for strategies aimed at preventing lifestyle diseases and addressing mental health issues.
“Doctors are guardians of health and well-being in our society,” she stated, highlighting their vital role in maintaining the health of communities. However, she stressed that improving healthcare requires a collaborative effort from all parties—including government bodies, NGOs, development partners, and faith-based organizations. “Future proofing of healthcare is not a task for doctors alone,” she said.
Kiran called for concrete prevention strategies targeting malnutrition and lifestyle diseases, and urged for compassion towards individuals struggling with mental health issues. She challenged the FMA to utilize various media platforms, such as podcasts and educational series, to raise awareness about prevalent healthcare challenges.
Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, President of the FMA, responded positively to the call for visibility, stating the association would explore ways to engage members who are adept with media in order to amplify important healthcare discussions. He affirmed their commitment to addressing national healthcare challenges and improving public health awareness.
This call for action is particularly timely given the previous acknowledgment by the FMA of systemic challenges within Fiji’s healthcare sector, including long waiting times, medication shortages, and the urgent need for better infrastructure. Addressing these issues through collaboration, as called for by both Minister Kiran and Dr. Vakamocea, provides hope for a more resilient healthcare system in Fiji.
The emphasis on collaborative initiatives and community involvement conveys a positive outlook, suggesting that with joint efforts, Fijians can indeed foster improvements in health outcomes and overall wellbeing.
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