Patients participating in the public-private partnership (PPP) medical scheme in Fiji have encountered difficulties accessing certain private clinics, as many report being turned away due to alleged delays in government payments. Individuals from Suva have reached out to The Fiji Times, sharing their experiences of being unable to receive necessary medical services, including visits to two clinics and a pharmacy.
Ajinesh Prasad, one affected patient, recounted his attempt to take his elderly mother for treatment, only to be told that the clinic could not accommodate them due to pending payments from the government. “Other patients too faced the same situation, and we understand because the Government needs to pay the private doctors as they have bills to pay too,” he stated.
The Fiji College of General Practitioners (FCGP) confirmed that its members have also experienced payment delays. According to the college council, the last payments for services rendered were issued for July, but they assured patients that clinics are still seeing individuals despite the payment issues. The FCGP also noted that this is not an unprecedented situation, indicating a history of delayed payments.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed the issue, expressing his lack of prior knowledge regarding these challenges. He stated his intent to consult with the Minister for Health and Medical Services to understand the situation better, assuring that any practitioners who have completed services will receive their dues.
The FCGP mentioned it has not been involved in any negotiations concerning the PPP scheme and highlighted that individual general practitioners signed contracts directly with the Ministry of Economy. Efforts to contact Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Permanent Secretary Shiri Gounder for comments were unsuccessful, leaving patients questioning the continuity and reliability of care under the current system.
This situation is not entirely new, as ongoing challenges surrounding the PPP initiative were acknowledged by authorities in previous discussions. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has previously indicated complexities related to the PPP model that may contribute to these payment delays, which stem from inadequate preparation and understanding of the model’s execution.
The context underscores a critical need for effective communication and management within the healthcare system to ensure that patients receive the necessary care without interruption. With the government recognizing the issues and planning inquiries into the matter, there is hope for a resolution that can enhance the service delivery framework for all stakeholders involved, ultimately improving healthcare access for the community.
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