Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) relies significantly on the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) to manage the distribution of medical supplies across the country. The FPBS serves as the primary warehouse for the ministry, ensuring that over 200 healthcare facilities throughout the islands receive essential medications, vaccines, medical equipment, and other health-related products.
Recently, the ministry held a media tour to showcase the FPBS warehouse operations amid rising inquiries about medical supply shortages attributed to global supply chain disruptions. As Fiji imports most of its medical supplies, the country heavily depends on international suppliers. Once the medical products arrive in Fiji, they are processed and distributed by the FPBS, which faces challenges such as manufacturer delays and transportation issues.
According to FPBS Director Jeremaia Mataika, the facility employs 105 staff members and has a structured distribution system, providing monthly supplies to most locations while remote areas receive supplies quarterly. The facility’s budget has increased significantly from over $60 million to approximately $95.2 million, which supports the expanding operations.
The procurement of medical supplies adheres to the Financial Management Act and government procurement regulations, with formal tendering processes for purchases exceeding $50,000. The FPBS collaborates closely with the Medicines Regulatory Authority to ensure that all procured medicines meet strict safety and efficacy standards. Products that do not meet these regulations are either returned or replaced.
In a significant advancement, the FPBS has implemented a digital inventory and procurement management system called M-Supply. This platform allows healthcare facilities, including those in remote areas, to place orders electronically, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the supply chain. Reports generated from the system help the FPBS make informed decisions regarding stock levels and prioritize critical medications.
To address logistical challenges, the FPBS is planning to expand its warehousing capacity by constructing additional warehouses in the Northern and Western divisions. Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included border closures and disrupted supply chains, have prompted the ministry to prioritize building new warehouses and pre-stocking vital items.
The FPBS aims not only to stock health facilities but to ensure the availability of high-quality medications and medical products. The Medicines Regulatory Authority plays a crucial role in this regard, working with the National Medicines and Therapeutics Committee to maintain an essential medicines list for patients. Despite the ongoing challenges, the ministry is committed to procuring and distributing life-saving medications, particularly those in high demand.
Looking forward, the FPBS plans to enhance its supply chain through improved inventory management, strategic stockpiling, and further digitization. With continued support from international partners and a focused effort to strengthen local logistics, FPBS is striving to ensure that all Fijians, regardless of their location, have access to the necessary medical supplies and medicines.
This commitment to improving healthcare access in Fiji is indeed promising, and with ongoing efforts to adapt and expand resources, there is reason to envision a more resilient healthcare system in the future.
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