The healthcare system in Fiji is reportedly deteriorating, even with an increased budget, according to Premila Kumar, an Opposition Member of Parliament. During a recent parliamentary debate regarding the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ annual report from 2016-2021, Kumar illuminated various pressing issues within the healthcare system, including a lack of staffing and improperly utilized funds. She firmly criticized the government’s management of healthcare priorities, stating, “Despite a bigger health budget, the system is collapsing.”
Kumar provided several concerning examples, such as newly graduated nurses facing delays of up to six months before securing jobs, while existing staff are overwhelmed with work. She emphasized the alarming scarcity of midwives, with only 200 available for an estimated 300,000 childbearing women, especially troubling given that 500 midwives left the country last year. Although 50 new midwives are trained each year through Australian sponsorship, their lack of a binding commitment to remain in Fiji exacerbates the issue.
Furthermore, Kumar scrutinized the underutilization of the current health budget, highlighting that a significant portion was left unspent, including $800,000 of an allocated $1 million for staff accommodation and nearly $4 million from funds set aside for the Labasa Hospital upgrades. She expressed concern over budget cuts to mental health services, pointing out that the budget for St Giles Psychiatric Hospital had decreased despite growing mental health issues in the community.
In response, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad defended the government’s actions, accusing the Opposition of neglecting the challenges they once faced in power. He emphasized the need for both sides to recognize their past mistakes, stating: “When you are in Government, you should admit what went wrong.” Prasad highlighted the budget’s growth, asserting that it now comprises about 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, nearly reaching the World Health Organization’s recommended 4.5 percent.
Overall, the current administration maintains that it is transparent about the sector’s challenges and has initiated a comprehensive review of the healthcare system, reinforcing their commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
While the situation may appear dire, it’s crucial to recognize the government’s acknowledgment of healthcare deficiencies and the steps being taken towards improvement. Continuous dialogue and review processes can pave the way for future enhancements in healthcare services in Fiji. It’s a reminder that acknowledging problems is the first step toward meaningful progress.
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