The lack of awareness regarding the free medicine program has led to an influx of patients at pharmacies expecting to receive medications without proper registration, according to Zahira Cassim, director of HyperChem Pharmacy. The Health Ministry recently announced significant changes effective August 1, 2025, impacting how outpatient department (OPD) patients obtain medicines at Lautoka and Ba hospitals, now managed by Health Care Fiji Ltd.
Under the new system, OPD patients treated at the Special Outpatient Clinic, Emergency Department, and General Outpatient Department at Ba Hospital can collect their medications from a mobile dispensary. Meanwhile, those seen at the Lautoka Hospital must pick up their medications from the Lautoka Health Clinic. HyperChem is one of the recognized pharmacies in the West where patients can access this free medicine initiative.
Cassim expressed her concern that many patients remain uninformed about the registration process required to qualify for free medications. This misconception has created a burden on pharmacy staff, who are already stretched thin due to a shortage of pharmacists. To mitigate this situation, HyperChem has reached out to the Free Medicine Program coordinator in Suva, proposing the establishment of an information booth at their stores to help educate the public.
In parallel, Dr. Alipate Vakamocea, president of the Fiji Medical Association, has called on the government to engage in discussions with Aspen Medical to assess the impact of the dispensary closure on low-income families. He warned that many pharmacies may lack the capacity to handle the increased demand, potentially leading to shortages of critical medications like morphine, which are essential for patients requiring palliative care.
This situation mirrors broader concerns highlighted in previous reports, particularly regarding ongoing medication shortages in Fiji. Effective reforms and strategic collaborations between the government and healthcare professionals could lead to enhanced access to essential treatments for all citizens. Though current circumstances are challenging, there exists hope for systemic improvements that can ensure the healthcare needs of Fijians are met efficiently in the future.
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