The Ministry of Health will explore expanding the Essential Medicines List to include medicines used in treating lupus, said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
He made the comments while speaking at the Fiji Lupus Foundation annual dinner in Suva last night.
Mr Rabuka said while lupus might be invisible to the naked eye, the pain, fatigue, cost of treatment, and the emotional burden were all too real.
“We must stop treating it at arm’s length, or worse, in isolation,” he said.
“Lupus medications such as hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, and steroids are essential but often unaffordable.”
“The Ministry of Health will explore expanding the Essential Medicines List to include key lupus medications, working with the Pharmacy Board to ensure consistent national stock availability and encouraging public-private partnerships to support affordability and access.”
He said it was the duty of the Government to ensure that every Fijian living with chronic illnesses had the dignity of care, access to treatment, and hope for the future.
“We recognise the Lupus Foundation not just as an NGO—but as a lifeline for patients and families.”
“Government will work with you to facilitate awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and health facilities.”
“Government will support your community outreach and education programmes. And the Government will consider formal collaboration through MOUs or government grant support, where appropriate.”
“As your Prime Minister, I reaffirm my government’s commitment to building a healthcare system where no Fijian feels invisible or forgotten, especially those living with complex chronic illnesses like lupus.”
