Fiji Cancer Society CEO Belinda Chan has urged Fijians to maintain confidence in the medical sector and its professionals despite recent developments that have plagued the sector.
Ms Chan told Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea event the resignation of doctors remained an issue but the country’s medical professionals were experienced, thus Fijians must first consider treatment at home before opting for costly overseas procedures.
Ms Chan said these professionals were qualified and well-versed with cancer treatment.
“I know we all have that stigma associated with Colonial War Memorial Hospital, which has become known as vale ni mate (house of death),” she said.
“But I tell you what, when it comes to cancer, it is definitely not right.”
Ms Chan said many people were unaware that nurses at CWM were qualified and vastly experienced, adding that patients who’d travelled abroad to countries like India for treatment had returned home to seek treatment at the CWM Hospital.
“When it comes to nurses, the experienced nurses in terms of cancer treatment are sitting at CWM,” she said.
On oncology and urology procedures, Ms Chan said these were unaffected by the departure of medical professionals from Fiji.
She added the lives of cancer patients could be improved, not necessarily by several trips to hospital but by understanding patients’ needs and wants.
Ms Chan advised that HPV vaccines for young girls be strengthened and that men also have regular check-ups for prostate cancer.
