Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Prof Biman Prasad has accused Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry of engaging in “treacherous politics of grandstanding” in response to claims that he is responsible for the suspension of outpatient pharmaceutical services at Lautoka and Ba hospitals. These hospitals are operated by Health Care Fiji Pte Ltd (HCF) as part of a public-private partnership, wherein HCF is primarily owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and managed by Aspen Medical.
Prasad criticized Chaudhry for his tendency to blame others for problems, stating, “If Mahendra Chaudhry is constipated then Biman Prasad is to be blamed,” implying that Chaudhry often deflects accountability. He also highlighted Chaudhry’s controversial political history, citing his alliances with a military regime following the 2006 coup and past criminal convictions, questioning his credibility as a critic.
The Minister attributed the current issues surrounding the hospitals’ partnership to “pure politics and political interference” by the previous FijiFirst government. He emphasized the risks associated with the Concession Agreement, describing it as “a blank cheque with serious consequences,” and declared that the coalition government is working on renegotiating terms to ensure better service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
In the meantime, the government has implemented short-term measures allowing patients to access free medicines from government health centers and private pharmacies, focusing on seeking long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the complex dynamics between political accountability and healthcare service delivery in Fiji. As issues surrounding the healthcare system evolve, there is hope for a concerted effort to foster improvements that prioritize the wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers. Such initiatives could lay the groundwork for a more efficient and equitable healthcare framework in the future.
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