A market study is being conducted on kidney dialysis treatment services in Fiji.
The market study – led by the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) – aims to determine the market size, regulatory environment, accessibility, affordability, and pricing structure and challenges of this medical treatment.
The FCCC is now calling for submissions from the members of the public and relevant stakeholders.
According to the FCCC, it requests members of the public and stakeholders to provide submissions according to the following information:
- General views on the potential regulation of dialysis treatment services in Fiji;
- General views on the current dialysis treatment charges in Fiji and proposals for any changes in prices charged;
- General comments on the quality of services currently provided and any suggestions for improvement; and
- Any other suggestions or recommendations.
Submissions can be made in writing or orally. Oral submissions can be made via phone or in person at the FCCC office in Suva, Lautoka or Labasa.
Submissions in writing to be emailed to infrastructure@fccc.gov.fj / hand delivered to The CEO, FCCC, Ground Floor, Employers Hub Building, 42 Gorrie St, Suva ‘ or mailed to The CEO, FCCC, PO Box 5031, Raiwaqa.
Submissions must reach FCCC no later than 4pm on February 5 (2024)
Since 2017, the Health Ministry under the FijiFirst-led administration had indicated exploring options to reduce the cost of kidney dialysis treatments.
At that time, the Northern Dialysis Centre in Labasa charged patients $150 for one treatment, while the Kidney Foundation of Fiji charged $250 a treatment.
It was also in 2017 that some 900 kidney patients were reportedly unable to access dialysis treatments because they could not afford it.
The same administration allocated $1.5million in the 2021-2022 national budget so it could provide a subsidy of $150 for each treatment.
