Concerns regarding Fiji’s public health system have been raised in Parliament, highlighting that simply increasing funding may not resolve the underlying operational failures. Opposition MP Virendra Lal pointed to longstanding bureaucratic inefficiencies that continue to hamper healthcare services, particularly in areas like Nasinu.
The government has proposed a rise in the 2025–2026 budget for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, increasing from approximately $452 million to $466 million. While this increase is a recognition of the vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic, Lal emphasized that actual implementation and management of these funds remain critical challenges. He expressed concern over a chronic shortage of essential medicines, naming over 20 items including children’s paracetamol and antibiotics that remain frequently out of stock. Notably, chloramphenicol eye drops have been unavailable in public facilities for two years, although they can be easily found in private pharmacies, indicating a failure in national procurement processes.
Lal criticized the government’s decision to transition from contract-based hiring to permanent positions in the civil service, asserting this move diminishes accountability in health services at a time when responsiveness is crucial. He pointed to delays in critical infrastructure repairs and medical equipment maintenance as a consequence of this lack of dynamism.
Echoing Lal’s concerns, other recent reports have revealed similar frustrations regarding Fiji’s healthcare system. For instance, the Fiji Medical Association has highlighted that underutilization of healthcare budgets remains problematic, with millions returned unspent. Opposition MP Premila Kumar has also drawn attention to staffing shortages and long wait times for nurses to secure employment, emphasizing a worrisome situation concerning availability for maternal healthcare due to a significant shortage of midwives.
Despite these challenges, there is a sense of optimism as both the opposition and government seem to acknowledge the urgent need for reform. The recognition of these systemic issues may pave the way for a comprehensive review of the healthcare sector, fostering potential improvements in service delivery across Fiji. Through transparent governance and strategic resource management, there is hope for revitalizing the healthcare system to better meet the needs of the population.
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