An incident involving a medication error has led to serious concerns regarding patient safety in Fiji’s healthcare system. Zilla Prakash, an advocate for her elderly mother, Esther Kurpawati, reported that a mix-up at HyperChem Pharmacy in Lautoka resulted in her mother receiving ear drops instead of the eye drops prescribed for her upcoming cataract surgery.
On March 12, 2025, Prakash purchased what she believed were the correct eye drops in preparation for the surgery scheduled for March 18. However, during a follow-up appointment on March 26, a doctor discovered that the drops Ms. Kurpawati had been using were not meant for her eyes, raising fears about potential damage to her vision. Ms. Prakash expressed her alarm over the incident, as her mother has been experiencing redness and itchiness in her eyes.
To address the matter, the Principal Pharmacist of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Reenal Chand, assured that this issue would be escalated for investigation. However, questions directed to Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu regarding oversight on pharmacy practices have yet to be answered.
As reported previously, this incident is not isolated. Similar cases have prompted scrutiny of pharmacies in Fiji, with a focus on the dispensing practices of medications and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society encourages strict adherence to best practices to enhance patient safety and mitigate the risks of medication errors.
The need for systemic change in Fiji’s healthcare is increasingly apparent, particularly in light of ongoing challenges related to medicine procurement and patient care safety. Experts call for reforms to improve transparency and accountability across health services, ensuring that errors like this are minimized in the future.
While this event highlights significant flaws in the current healthcare process, it also serves as a catalyst for necessary improvements that could ultimately lead to a better and safer medical system for all Fijians. The hope is that this incident will bring about enhanced regulations and training that prioritize the well-being of patients.
In conclusion, the incident raises essential questions about pharmacy practices and the necessity for rigorous oversight within the health system in Fiji. As parties work toward diligent resolution and increased safety standards, patients may benefit from a more reliable healthcare environment moving forward.
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