The Ministry of Health says patients seeking Government assistance for overseas medical treatment must meet strict medical and financial assessment requirements before approval is granted.
Minister for Health Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament that the Overseas Medical Referral Scheme was designed to support patients requiring specialised treatment unavailable in Fiji.
“When specialised medical care is unavailable at our local hospitals, the Ministry manages a dedicated Overseas Medical Referral Scheme to provide a lifeline to our citizens,” Lalabalavu said.
He said applications must include a medical report prepared by a local consultant or specialist.
“The medical report should have the problem list, history, primary diagnosis, final diagnosis of the patient, clearly state the type of treatment that the patient requires that is not available locally,” he said.
Lalabalavu said the report must also confirm that the patient is being recommended for overseas treatment and outline the expected prognosis following treatment.
Applicants are also required to provide financial records to prove they cannot afford treatment overseas without Government support.
“If employed, recent pay slip, bank statements, FNPF interim statement, health insurance statement if applicable,” Lalabalavu said.
He added that married applicants with financially supporting children must also provide financial documents from spouses and children.
“All these requirements will have to be submitted with an application letter and will be assessed by the Overseas Medical Treatment Referral Board,” he said.
Lalabalavu said the board has the authority to approve or reject applications and determine the level of support based on the family’s financial situation.
“Depending on the family’s financial capacity, the Ministry provides either full or partial support,” he said.
He said Government assistance could cover treatment costs, accommodation, meals, return airfares and, where necessary, travel support for an accompanying attendant.
