Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) relies on the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) to manage the distribution of medications and medical supplies across the islands. As the ministry’s sole warehouse, FPBS plays a critical role in ensuring that over 200 health facilities receive essential medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.
A recent media tour highlighted the operations of the FPBS warehouse, which has faced increasing scrutiny due to concerns about medical supply shortages, often linked to global supply chain disruptions. Fiji’s dependency on international suppliers makes it vulnerable to logistical challenges, such as transportation delays and manufacturing issues. According to Jemesa Tudravu, the permanent secretary of the ministry, imported medicines are processed at FPBS before being allocated to health facilities.
FPBS director Jeremaia Mataika emphasized the structured distribution plan in place, with monthly deliveries to most health centers and quarterly shipments to remote areas. The facility’s budget has increased significantly from $60 million to approximately $95.2 million, supported by a workforce of 105 staff managing around 14 medical categories.
The procurement of medical supplies follows a formal tendering process, as mandated by the Financial Management Act and government regulations. For orders exceeding $50,000, FPBS engages in a lengthy procurement process to ensure compliance with safety and efficacy standards, working closely with the Medicines Regulatory Authority.
Significantly, FPBS has adopted the M-Supply digital inventory and procurement management system, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in supply chain management. This system allows health facilities, including those in remote regions, to place orders electronically, an initiative backed by the Australian government.
In terms of logistical improvements, FPBS is expanding its warehousing capacity to better address distribution challenges. Plans for additional warehouses in the Northern and Western divisions aim to cater to Fiji’s diverse geographical landscape. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have driven the ministry to prioritize the establishment of these facilities and to maintain stockpiles of critical supplies.
Going forward, FPBS is committed to enhancing its supply chain through improved inventory management, strategic stockpiling, and continued digitization. With the support of international partners, FPBS’s efforts aim to ensure all Fijians have access to essential medicines and supplies, regardless of their location.
In summary, despite facing challenges posed by global disruptions, FPBS remains dedicated to ensuring the availability of high-quality medical supplies to health facilities across Fiji. This focus on enhancing logistics and expanding warehousing capabilities reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding the health care needs of all Fijians.
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