Fiji’s hospitals are facing a significant shortfall of approximately 2000 beds needed to adequately serve the nation’s population. This concern was raised by Dr. Basharat Munshi, the departing president of the Fiji Medical Association, at the association’s 63rd Annual Conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday.
Dr. Munshi stated that with Fiji’s current population, the country requires around 3000 hospital beds. “We are short by 1500 to 2000 beds if I have to overestimate,” he noted, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements. He indicated that building facilities to meet the required standards could cost approximately $4.46 billion.
Additionally, Dr. Munshi shed light on ongoing challenges at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), specifically regarding operational theater space. He remarked on the limitations affecting the hospital’s ability to perform elective surgeries, which are currently delayed due to the focus on emergency cases. “We have had some cases where elective operations are done at Oceania Hospital, which helps with the backlog, but this incurs additional costs,” he said.
Furthermore, he highlighted the financial strain caused when essential equipment, such as CT scans, breaks down and necessitates outsourcing services. Dr. Munshi expressed hope that the CWM master plan, recently introduced a month ago, will provide solutions to these ongoing issues.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that the master plan aims to address the challenges facing CWM and improve overall healthcare services in Fiji.