Independent Opposition member Penioni Ravunawa raised concerns about whether proper accreditation processes are being followed in the public sector for healthcare services. He directed his query to Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu during a parliamentary session on Monday, which focused on the advantages of the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.
Ravunawa emphasized the importance of accreditation from the Fiji Medical and Dental Council for various healthcare facilities, including dental services, general practitioners, and private hospitals. He highlighted a concerning trend of recent deaths in the public sector healthcare system, stressing the necessity to maintain and improve the PPP initiative.
In response, Dr. Lalabalavu affirmed that accreditation is legally required before any healthcare provider can practice. He noted that the Fiji Medical and Dental Council handles the accreditation for doctors, while the Fiji Nursing Council is responsible for accrediting nurses and other medical personnel. The minister reiterated that adherence to accreditation laws is compulsory for both local and foreign practitioners wishing to operate in Fiji.