Medical doctors do not have medical insurance, says Fiji Medical Association (FMA) vice-president Dr Ronal Kumar.
Speaking at the 62nd FMA annual conference in Sigatoka over the weekend, Dr Kumar said this was another reason doctors were leaving our shores.
“Being part of one of the noblest professions, it is sad that we have to look for funds to go abroad,” said Dr Kumar.
“We do not even qualify for Government assistance because we earn more than $30,000.
“All of us do not have the sort of money to bring out when we suffer a heart attack.
“Yes, we can seek healthcare locally, but do we have $10,000 or $15,000 set aside to care for ourselves when we face a major health issue.”
Dr Kumar said this was also a problem that was also faced by other professionals in the healthcare system.
“It is not only affecting us doctors. It is also affecting the nurses and allied health workers and that is why they are leaving so fast as well.”
He said the FMA was in talks with insurance companies to get health insurance cover for local doctors.
“We are working behind the scenes to get some kind of cover for our doctors at a reasonable price.
“It does not have to be this way.
“Doctors need to be able to have access to medical insurance for their own health.
“When they can take care of themselves, they can also take care of our people.”
