Fiji’s health system is currently facing a persistent shortage of essential medications, prompting concerns from both medical professionals and patients alike. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, acknowledged that the ongoing difficulties with medicine availability are not a new phenomenon, but rather part of a global trend affecting health supplies.

During a visit to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) by the Fiji Sun, traffic in and out of the facility underscored the challenges patients face, including not only medication shortages but also malfunctioning elevators. Dr. Lalabalavu reported a specific issue with IV fluids, stating that global supply challenges have forced the ministry to reprioritize existing stocks. He indicated that a shipment of approximately 20,000 IV fluids is expected in early February, which he hopes will alleviate some of the immediate shortages.

The Minister also addressed the operational issues concerning the intraoperative CT scanners at CWMH, which have not been functional for an extended period. Due to this, patients in need of CT scans are resorting to private medical centers, incurring additional costs. Dr. Lalabalavu conceded that Fiji’s health system is far from perfect but emphasized that the government is actively working on enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure across the nation.

The challenges are further compounded by the fact that 100% of Fiji’s medicines are imported, thus making the country susceptible to disruptions in the global supply chain. Internal issues within the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) have also contributed to the problem, with the Director Jeremaia Mataika revealing that some suppliers have not met quality standards, leading to additional shortages and inefficiencies.

The ongoing situation has raised urgent calls for reform in the procurement process to ensure timely access to essential medications for all Fijians. Public health stakeholders are advocating for enhancements to the system that governs healthcare supplies, emphasizing the need for mechanisms that provide quicker responses to urgent health needs.

On a hopeful note, experts believe that the current challenges present an opportunity for significant improvements in Fiji’s healthcare procurement framework, ultimately benefiting the health outcomes for the population. With efforts underway to upgrade medical facilities and streamline supply processes, there is potential for a more resilient healthcare system in Fiji, ensuring that critical medications reach those who need them promptly in the future.