Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services depends significantly on the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) for the management and distribution of medical supplies across the nation. The FPBS serves as the sole warehouse within the ministry, ensuring that over 200 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and nursing stations, are consistently stocked with essential medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.
The recent media tour organized by the ministry aimed to shed light on the operations of the FPBS in response to increasing inquiries regarding medical supply shortages. These shortages have largely been linked to global supply chain disruptions, challenging Fiji’s reliance on international suppliers due to its lack of local production capacity.
FPBS Director Jeremaia Mataika shared that the organization distributes medical supplies to healthcare facilities based on a structured plan, where most facilities receive supplies monthly, while more remote areas are served quarterly. The FPBS has experienced an increase in its budget from over $60 million to around $95.2 million, with a workforce of 105 staff members overseeing 14 medical categories.
The procurement process adheres to the Financial Management Act and includes a formal tendering system for significant purchases. Mataika explained that this process ensures that the quality of medications meets the necessary safety and efficacy standards through collaboration with the Medicines Regulatory Authority.
A significant innovation at FPBS has been the implementation of the M-Supply system, a digital platform that enhances inventory and procurement management, allowing health facilities—especially those in remote areas—to place electronic orders. Supported by the Australian Government, this system improves supply chain accuracy and efficiency.
In response to logistical challenges, FPBS plans to expand its warehousing capabilities by building additional facilities in the Northern and Western divisions to cater to Fiji’s geographical diversity. Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted a focus on pre-stocking essential items to prevent future supply disruptions.
Despite the hurdles faced, including global shortages and logistical delays, the FPBS remains committed to ensuring the availability and quality of critical medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs. Looking forward, the FPBS plans to enhance inventory management, strategic stockpiling, and digitized operations, bolstered by international partnerships to ensure all Fijians, regardless of their location, have access to necessary medical supplies.
This focus on improving logistics and warehouse capacity signifies a proactive approach in safeguarding public health, fostering hope that challenges can be met with resilience and innovation. By investing in infrastructure and technology, Fiji is paving the way for a more robust healthcare supply chain in the future.
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