Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced a strategic initiative aimed at improving healthcare services for lupus patients in Fiji. During the “Dancing with Lupus” annual dinner fundraiser held in Suva, Rabuka highlighted the plans for the Ministry of Health to expand the Essential Medicines List to include crucial lupus medications such as hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of working with the Pharmacy Board to ensure that national stocks of these essential medications remain consistent and to encourage public-private partnerships that will enhance affordability and access for patients who often face financial burdens when seeking treatment.
Rabuka acknowledged the reality of living with lupus, stating, “While lupus might be invisible to the naked eye, the pain, fatigue, cost of treatment, and emotional burden were all too real.” He expressed the government’s commitment to training frontline healthcare workers, including nurses and specialists, in the early detection of lupus, with the aim of catching this “quiet disease before it speaks loud.”
The government’s proactive approach will also see lupus included in national non-communicable disease strategies and wellness programs. Additionally, there are plans to extend rheumatology services beyond Suva, ensuring that patients in the Northern, Western, and maritime regions have access to necessary care without the inconvenience of long-distance travel.
This initiative aligns with previous efforts by Prime Minister Rabuka regarding healthcare accessibility and aims to combat ongoing challenges faced by chronic illness patients in Fiji. By fostering collaboration with medical schools and international institutions, the government seeks to expand specialist training and ensure affordable access to medications and care for all Fijians.
These developments reflect a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of those living with lupus and demonstrate the government’s commitment to creating a supportive health ecosystem in Fiji. With increased awareness and accessible healthcare, there is hope for brighter futures for lupus patients and their families across the nation.
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