A total of 280 medical officers have resigned from Fiji’s Ministry of Health in 2022 and 2023, leading to a shortage of senior specialist doctors. This year alone, 15 doctors have left their positions.
Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, shared these statistics during the association’s 63rd annual conference at the Hilton Resort on Saturday. He expressed concern about the loss of senior clinicians, stating, “We have doctors who have been trained and who are specialists. That caliber of people leaving hurts us.”
Dr. Munshi noted that a significant number of the resigning doctors have transitioned to the private sector and highlighted an ongoing trend of attrition involving doctors leaving for overseas opportunities as well. He suggested that the Ministry of Health conduct a survey to identify the “push” and “pull” factors influencing doctors’ departures.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, recognized the situation, emphasizing its adverse effects on healthcare delivery both in primary health facilities and major hospitals. Despite acknowledging the issue, he mentioned that the rate of resignations has decreased this year.
“The pull factors are difficult to compete against. We need to focus on improving working conditions, salaries, and listening to their concerns to better address them,” said Dr. Lalabalavu. He reiterated that while enhancing infrastructure is important, human resources remain critical for providing quality healthcare, and it is essential to tackle both push and pull factors effectively.