A recent incident has highlighted a concerning situation regarding the supply of intravenous (IV) fluids in Fiji’s healthcare system. One day after the Ministry of Health and Medical Services asserted that IV fluids were in adequate supply, Judy Compain, the president of the International Women’s Association (IWA), shared evidence to the contrary through a heartfelt Facebook post. She revealed an alarming shortage of saline solutions, particularly impacting children in hospitals. In a commendable effort, the IWA donated a quantity of saline to the Children’s Ward of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and stated that more orders were being placed to assist in the ongoing crisis.
Compain emphasized the need for transparency within the health sector, expressing disappointment that public assurances did not align with the real issues faced by patients, who have been forced to buy their saline solutions. This situation aligns with concerns raised by various stakeholders, including opposition politicians and healthcare professionals, about the government’s claims.
The Ministry, despite its reassurances that it has received shipments of saline — 3,000 units last week and an additional 4,200 pending clearance — remains under scrutiny. The contradiction between government claims and the experiences reported by families needing to procure IV fluids raises significant public trust concerns. Reports suggest that some patients have been purchasing saline from private pharmacies, reflecting systemic issues in the healthcare supply chain.
In light of global shortages expected to continue until 2025, many health experts and advocates are rallying for systemic reforms in procurement practices. There is a strong belief that through community engagement and improved collaborations among health stakeholders, Fiji can develop a more resilient healthcare system. These collaborative efforts have the potential to enhance the reliability of medical supply management and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for all Fijians.
While the current healthcare landscape appears challenging, the active involvement of organizations like IWA presents a hopeful narrative — one where together, the community and the government can overcome medical supply hurdles and ensure that crucial healthcare reaches those in need without financial hardships.
Leave a comment