Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, has acknowledged the challenges associated with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative during a recent parliamentary session. His comments came in answer to a question from independent Opposition Member Jone Usamate regarding the PPP’s benefits in the healthcare sector.
Lalabalavu noted that the PPP was launched in response to the needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, aimed at enhancing the delivery of medical services. He emphasized that every agreement carries inherent risks, which can manifest if preparatory work is not executed properly.
He highlighted several risks linked to the initiative, including a lack of understanding and application of the PPP concept, weak institutional capacity within public sector agencies, donor-driven PPPs that may lose support, inadequate monitoring processes, limited sustainable resources, political influences, and difficulties in maintaining PPP arrangements.
Despite these challenges, the collaboration between Healthcare Fiji and Aspen Medical has introduced new healthcare services that have improved the standard of care at Lautoka Hospital. Innovations such as a modern Accident and Emergency department, new radiology equipment, and a cardiology unit have been established, catering to various medical needs.
Lalabalavu expressed the importance of involving health professionals in the initial stages of any health-related agreements. He also mentioned additional benefits from the PPP initiative, including outsourced services like laundry and security, which are utilized as needed.
Currently, under the free medicine scheme, approximately 59,000 individuals are registered, with 490 registered under the kidney dialysis subsidy scheme. The numbers also highlight that 59 general practitioners are now part of the GP scheme, while security services have been outsourced at four hospitals and housekeeping services at five hospitals across various regions.