THE Fiji Cancer Society is raising awareness about major gaps in palliative care for patients with life-limiting illnesses during and after natural disasters.
Chief executive officer Belinda Chan highlighted the issue during the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Nadi.
Ms Chan said the issue was a key focus for the society.
“We don’t see much work done in that area, especially with palliative care. More patients need ongoing care during disasters. So that’s not really being addressed,” she said.
She said the society would look into existing frameworks to find solutions.
“I need to check what is in the disaster plan, if there’s anything for palliative cases. Then we can see how to work with relevant organisations to ensure that palliative care is available. Patients in palliative care need support.”
Ms Chan said their concern extended beyond cancer patients.
“Palliative care applies not only to cancer patients but also to others with life-limiting illnesses, such as those with diabetes or strokes. During disasters, we have stroke patients and diabetic patients with amputations who require ongoing care.”
She said the main concern was whether the needs of these vulnerable patients were being met.
“Are their needs being met in evacuation centres? Are their needs met in homes after disasters? This interests us. It’s important not only for me in Fiji but also for my two colleagues from Samoa and PNG. There’s a lot of emphasis on this issue because of palliative care.”
When asked if the sector needed more investment, Ms Chan said it was necessary.
“This isn’t just about cancer patients. It applies to everyone with a life-limiting illness; they deserve respect, dignity, and proper care.
“We’ve seen cases of paraplegics with cancer who feel abandoned. Their families often don’t know how to care for them. There isn’t much support in that area. We’re all doing palliative care in our own homes.”
She said there was also a need for greater support for caregivers.
“What support is available for these families? It isn’t easy to care for someone who is seriously ill. If you’ve had a sick family member, you know this. People who care for those in palliative care need support.”
Ms Chan said the society was broadening its focus beyond its traditional work.
“Alcohol is a new area for us at the Society. We have emphasised tobacco control in the past, but we are also interested in alcohol and the relationship between climate change and health.”
Fiji boosts mental health investment
FIJI is increasing its investment in mental healthcare, expanding access to services nationwide, and training frontline health workers to provide psychological first aid, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Rabuka made the remarks while opening the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Nadi on October 19, linking Fiji’s national priorities to wider regional health challenges.
“However, stigma, underfunding, data gaps, healthcare capability, and rehabilitation remain significant barriers to progress,” he said.
“NCDs (non-communicable diseases) and mental health issues are compounded by climate change, food insecurity, and geographic isolation.”
Mr Rabuka said there was a need for targeted international financing for small island developing states to tackle the rising costs of NCDs and mental health care.
“In Fiji, we are advancing the principles of an ‘Ocean of Peace’, a national and regional philosophy rooted in peace, unity, compassion, truth, and inclusive development. These are also deeply rooted in principles of health and well-being.
“The path to a healthy Pacific is not just through hospitals and policies but also through justice, empowerment, equity, and love for our people.”
He reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the “health in all policies” approach, a whole-of-government and whole-of-society strategy.
“Our investments in education, water, energy, food systems, transport, digital connectivity, and gender equality are all investments in health.”
Mr Rabuka said the region must also address the shortage of skilled health workers.
“Our vision for a healthier, more peaceful Pacific cannot be achieved without a strong, compassionate, and well-supported workforce,” he said.
