Outpatient department patients at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals will now face new procedures for obtaining their medications. Effective August 1, 2025, only patients who are admitted will receive their prescriptions from the hospital pharmacies. Outpatients will be directed to acquire their medications from designated venues or other government health facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced this significant change, emphasizing that Fijian outpatient department patients who have visited the Special Outpatient Clinic (SOPD), Emergency Department (ED), or General Outpatient Department (GOPD) at Ba Hospital will be able to get their discharge medications from a mobile dispensary at Ba Hospital. In contrast, those seen at SOPD and ED at Lautoka Hospital will need to collect their medications from the Lautoka Health Clinic located at Vidilo House.
Additionally, patients from both hospitals will have the option to obtain their medicines from other government health centers and hospitals within the Western division. For those registered in the Government’s Free Medicine Process (FMP), free medications can also be picked up from private pharmacies participating in the program.
As Fiji tackles ongoing challenges with medication shortages, it’s noteworthy to highlight prior efforts by the government. Recently, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced an agreement with pharmaceutical suppliers to alleviate medication scarcity in public healthcare facilities. This initiative aims to ensure that access to essential medicines improves, addressing long-standing frustrations experienced by citizens forced to purchase medications from private pharmacies at elevated costs.
Despite these ongoing challenges, including systemic issues within the healthcare procurement process cited by health officials, there is optimism. The proactive measures taken by the government to reform the procurement system provide hope for long-term improvements, potentially enhancing access to medications for all Fijians.
This transition in medication dispensing for outpatient department patients is part of a broader effort to streamline healthcare services, reflecting a commitment to better patient care amidst the evolving landscape of Fiji’s healthcare system.
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