The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society (FPS) is opposing the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) recent move to discontinue public outpatient pharmacy services at Lautoka and Ba hospitals.
FPS President Priyanka Prasad raised concerns about disparities in medicine access, patient confusion, and health system safety risks following the shift in services.
FPS noted that the move disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low- to middle-income earners who are not eligible for FMP but still struggle to access medicines previously provided at public hospitals.
“Patients are facing substantial difficulty and delays procuring medicines that are not available through FMP,” said Ms Prasad.
“The fragmentation of services weakens communication between prescribing clinicians and dispensing pharmacists, increasing the risk of medication errors and treatment delays.”
The FPS warned that the current system risks undermining treatment continuity.
“Pharmacists must be held to consistent, high-quality standards through regular audits of FMP service providers.”
“We recommend the immediate reinstatement of outpatient pharmacy services for non-FMP patients at both hospitals.”
