A total of 280 medical officers resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health between 2022 and 2023, leading to a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have left their positions.
Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, disclosed these numbers during the association’s 63rd annual conference at the Hilton Resort on Saturday. He expressed concern regarding the seniority level of the departing doctors, emphasizing that many are trained specialists, which negatively impacts the healthcare system.
Dr. Munshi pointed out that a significant number of these doctors have transitioned to the private sector, reflecting a troubling trend of attrition in the medical field as many are not only leaving for international opportunities but also shifting to private practices.
To better understand this situation, he urged the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey to identify the “push” and “pull” factors contributing to doctors’ resignations.
Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, noting its detrimental effects on healthcare delivery in both primary health settings and major hospitals. However, he mentioned that the resignation rate has decreased this year.
“The pull factors are challenging for us to compete with. We need to focus on improving working conditions, remuneration, and addressing doctors’ concerns,” stated Dr. Lalabalavu. He added that even with improved infrastructure, human resources are vital for providing quality healthcare, making it essential to tackle both push and pull factors effectively.