Independent Opposition member Penioni Ravunawa raised concerns about the accreditation process for healthcare services provided by the public sector during a recent parliamentary session. He directed his inquiries to the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, as they discussed the advantages of the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.
Ravunawa emphasized the need for proper accreditation among various PPP agencies, including dental services, general practitioners, and private hospitals, by the Fiji Medical and Dental Council. He pointed out the rise in recent fatalities within the public healthcare system, stressing the importance of enhancing and improving the PPP framework.
He specifically asked Dr. Lalabalavu if accreditation had been conducted within the public sector for healthcare service delivery.
In response, Dr. Lalabalavu affirmed that accreditation is mandated by law for anyone wishing to practice. He clarified that the Fiji Medical and Dental Council oversees accreditation for doctors, while the Fiji Nursing Council is responsible for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
The minister assured Ravunawa that, indeed, accreditation is a legal requirement for both local practitioners and those coming from abroad seeking to work in Fiji’s healthcare system.