The Fiji Labour Party has accused Finance Minister Biman Prasad of a “major blunder” following the decision by Aspen Hospitals in Ba and Lautoka to stop dispensing free medicines to outpatients.
Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the announcement comes just as the government approved an allocation $117 million in the 2025/26 Budget for Aspen Hospitals.
“This is an enormous increase. It would have been the opportune time for government to re-negotiate the contract with Aspen Medical to expand its services, or at least maintain core services at these hospitals,” Mr Chaudhry said.
Aspen confirmed that from 1 August 2025 it would cease outpatient pharmacy services, saying the function was not part of the original partnership contract.
Mr Chaudhry criticised the Finance Minister for failing to act, despite his past opposition to the Aspen partnership while in Opposition.
“Now in government — and in a position to fix the contract’s shortcomings — he has failed to do so, leaving people to suffer,” he said.
Labour is calling on the government to urgently reinstate outpatient dispensary services at the two hospitals and to negotiate with Aspen to ensure these services continue.
“Government needs to ensure that taxpayer funds are used to provide adequate and meaningful health care to our people,” Mr Chaudhry said.