The Opposition has faced strong criticism from Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Lenora Qereqeretabua for asserting that the FijiFirst party managed the health system more effectively than the current Coalition Government. During a parliamentary session, Qereqeretabua described the opposition’s criticism as “sickening,” referencing past neglect when the National Federation Party was in power, particularly highlighting the decaying state of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
She recounted an instance on June 17, 2019, where Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua presented a disturbing image of a toilet door in the hospital’s acute men’s ward that remained unrepaired for over 16 months. The makeshift repairs, including using an intravenous tube as a doorknob and a block of wood to keep the door closed, illustrated the dire conditions faced by patients.
Qereqeretabua also recalled the lack of support for Tikoduadua’s earlier efforts to address drug-related issues and safety concerns in Fiji while he was still a part of the government. She emphasized that the Foundation for a better future for Fiji lies in recognizing the past failures to learn from them, move forward, and not repeat them.
The current criticism of the healthcare management echoes concerns raised by other opposition members, such as Premila Kumar, who have vocally accused Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of failing to control his government and its handling of rising issues like crime, living costs, and the healthcare crisis itself. Kumar has noted that Fiji’s healthcare, while receiving increased budget allocations, remains plagued by issues such as staffing shortages and ineffective management.
In response, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad has defended the government’s record, indicating a commitment to reform by calling for a thorough review of the health sector. The intense discussions in Parliament suggest growing pressure for accountability and may encourage collaboration between government and opposition to address these pressing challenges.
This political discourse reflects the ongoing struggle within Fijian governance but also shines a light on the hope for improvement. With multiple voices advocating for reform and a government willing to engage in dialogue, there is a potential for constructive changes that could uplift Fiji’s healthcare system and better serve its citizens. The pathway to recovery in Fiji’s healthcare lies in emphasis on accountability, transparency, and a unified commitment to resolving the pressing issues facing the nation.
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