Fiji’s hospitals are facing a shortage of 2,000 beds needed to adequately serve the nation’s population. This issue was brought to light by the outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr. Basharat Munshi, during the association’s 63rd Annual Conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday.
According to Dr. Munshi, Fiji requires approximately 3,000 beds for its current population. “We are short by 1,500 to 2,000 beds if I have to overestimate,” he stated. He also noted that to build the facilities needed to provide optimal healthcare would cost around $4.46 billion.
Addressing specific challenges, Dr. Munshi pointed out ongoing issues at the CWM Hospital, particularly regarding operating room availability. “We are unable to utilize our full potential. While solutions are in progress, we currently cannot perform elective surgeries and must focus on emergency cases. Elective cases are usually left on a waiting list,” he explained. Some elective procedures have been performed at Oceania Hospital to alleviate the backlog, but this incurs additional costs.
Additionally, he mentioned that when their CT scan equipment malfunctions, they are forced to outsource services, straining the budget further. Dr. Munshi expressed hope that the CWM master plan, launched a month ago, would help address these significant issues.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, confirmed that the CWM Master Plan aims to tackle these challenges.