Long waiting queues, downtrodden infrastructure and overworked staff are just some of the ways to describe Fiji’s current public healthcare system.
It is an issue that has festered over the years, and despite attempts by numerous governments to solve these problems, the problems persist.
The contentious issue has been a core subject in Parliament sittings, and this week was no exception.
Those part of the previous administration criticised Government for dragging their feet in relation to fixing these longstanding problems, with those in power responding that the previous administration had contributed to the downfall of Fiji’s public health system.
Even as the finger pointing and trite remarks continue, the people of Fiji are continuing to suffer, with Government saying the issues can’t be solved overnight.
A Parliamentarian’s Woe
Fiji’s Opposition members of Parliament, Aliki Bia, paid $500 to procure medicines for his child admitted in hospital.
MP Premila Kumar shared this during a debate on the consolidated review report of the Ministry of Health’s annual reports for 2016 to 2021.
She reiterated she spoke not just as a MP, but as a voice for every Fijian who wanted a health care system that worked and was accessible and effective.
She also defended the Bainimarama administration’s investment in Fiji’s healthcare system and said they had implemented forward thinking policies that made healthcare more accessible, with new and upgraded infrastructure and staff training and retention was prioritised.
“Nursing stations like Dawasamu, Namara, Nabou, Cuvu, Nawaicoba and Tau were upgraded to health centres with doctors and nurse practitioners in charge; that is progress,” she said.
“The Bainimarama Government also offered incentives and embraced a Public Private Partnership model to improve health care delivery.
“Initiatives like the GP subsidy scheme, private dentist subsidy, laboratory test subsidy and the free medicine program helped Fijians access quality health care.
“Our government knew that investing in health care professional was essential. Salaries were increased, some technical staffs stared at $28,000, and specialists earned over $140,000 annually.”
She said despite a bigger health budget, the system was collapsing. Mrs Kumar also said there were only 200 midwives for 300,000 childbearing women, and last year alone, 500 midwives migrated.
“We produce 50 midwives annually, sponsored by the Australian Government but they are not even bonded. This is poor planning having a huge impact on women’s health.”
Hypocrisy Rife
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad defended the Government’s investment into the health sector.
Delivering an anecdote from his early days in office, Prof Prasad said he visited the Dreketi Health Centre, whereby he saw the state of the facility.
“I entered the doctor’s consultation room, there was dust, there were tiles falling apart, the two nurses on the other side were in tears, saying “Sir, this is the condition in which we work,” he said.
“We fixed that health centre in about six months in 2023. I saw the quarters of the doctor and it was falling apart, and she was still committed and serving almost 15,000 people in that area.
“From there, we moved to Wainikoro, we got there, and I asked the X-ray person, how is your X-ray department? She said “Sir, I have been coming to work, punching then filing and going back because the X-ray machine has not worked for four months.
“We built Nausori Health Centre in one year, we got the New Zealand Government to support building the health centre and the honourable Minister and the honourable Prime Minister went and opened.”
In addition, Prof Prasad said Government was now sorting out issues surrounding the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
He said the abuse that was happening in the previous system was “plugged”.
He also accepted that all issues affecting the health sector was not fixed in two years.
“Not every pharmacy, not all instant things happen, and we have to understand why people complain, they complain to me as well.
“We do not mind honourable members from the Opposition coming and talking about it, I used to do that. But you also admit that when you are in Government, what went wrong. I think that will be honest, that will be more helpful and that will be appreciated by people on this side.
“Prof Prasad said the Government was very honest and they had not denied that there were problems.
He said this was the reason why the Government called for a review of the total health sector.
“When you come to Parliament, give some constructive suggestion instead of playing politics. We still have 18 months before we get into the election mode. So, I will ask them to wait for another year before they get into an election mode and start talking like this.”
Committee Recommendations
Standing Committee on Social Affairs chairman Iliesa Vanawalu thanked members for the lively debates and constructive criticisms.
He said the committee had made numerous recommendations to the ministry.
These include:
- Submitting reports on time
- Review the regulations and policies and ensure that medical professionals are adequately equipped to deal with similar unprecedented situation in the future.
- All programs and activities undertaken by the ministry must be aligned with its strategic goals and objectives.
- The ministry must work with relevant stakeholders to address challenges pertaining to infrastructure development, staff retention and accommodation.
- Review current staff retention policy.
- Work closely with international organisations and donor partners in building new health care facilities, refurbishment or retrofitting or even relocation due to climate change.
- Increase awareness on social media platforms to address the recent rise in drug abuse, NCDs, and the surge in HIV/AIDS cases.
- Address challenges faced by medical professionals and patients in accessing transport to rural and maritime areas.
- Healthcare workers to go through proper training in handling biomedical equipment.
- A comprehensive analysis to determine the factors contributing to the extended waiting time in health centres and introduce measures to improve services.
- Work towards achieving the SDG targets
- Services provided by Ba Aspen Hospital and Lautoka Hospital under the PPP should continue to benefit the people of Fiji
