The Fiji Medical Association has raised alarms regarding the increasing number of essential and critical medicines that are out of stock in public hospitals. Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, the association’s president, is calling on the Government to take swift action to resolve this pressing issue.
Currently, public hospitals are experiencing a shortage of vital reagents used for full blood count tests, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of health conditions such as infections, anemia, immune system disorders, and blood cancers. Dr. Vakamocea warned that the ongoing shortages will impact the health ministry’s operations until significant changes are made within the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS), which is also responsible for medication and medical equipment.
Dr. Luke Nasedra, medical superintendent at CWM Hospital, confirmed the ongoing reagent shortages and attributed them to delays in the procurement process at FPBS. In response to this challenge, CWM Hospital has implemented measures to ensure continued patient care by sending tests to other ministry laboratories and private hospitals that meet their quality assurance standards.
While the shortages could lead to delays in patient management and access to care, CWM Hospital has proactively informed doctors about alternative testing processes. This collaborative approach aims to minimize the impact on patient care and maintain service quality despite the current challenges.
Moving forward, it is essential for the Government and relevant stakeholders to address these supply chain issues and ensure that medical facilities are adequately stocked to provide high-quality healthcare for all citizens. With concerted efforts, there is hope for a more resilient healthcare system that can better respond to the medical needs of the population.
Summary: The Fiji Medical Association is urging the Government to address shortages of critical medical supplies at public hospitals, particularly reagents for full blood counts. CWM Hospital is working to mitigate delays by utilizing other laboratories while emphasizing the need for improved procurement processes to enhance healthcare delivery.
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