The Ministry of Health & Medical Services has revealed that unpaid overtime owed to health workers from January to March 2026 stands at approximately $1.7 million, raising concerns over mounting financial pressures within the sector.
The figures were disclosed in Parliament in response to a written question by opposition MP Premila Kumar, which highlighted how long the liability has been accumulating and the extent of unpaid dues .
In its response, the Ministry for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said budget allocations had been decentralised across 14 cost centres, with heads of these centres responsible for managing salaries, wages and overtime payments.
“When Heads of Cost Centers exhaust their overtime budget allocation, they are advised to implement Time Off-In Lieu (TOIL),” he stated .
However, the data shows significant strain, with eight of the 14 cost centres already exhausting their overtime budgets, including major facilities such as the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and Labasa Hospital, along with divisional health services.
The Ministry confirmed that while all overtime up to December 2025 had been fully paid, approved overtime has continued to accumulate in 2026 due to insufficient budget provisions.
“The current expenditure until last pay is approximately $9.9 million, overspent by $2.4 million,” he said.
Officials added that the unpaid overtime is expected to rise further, as data from several major cost centres is yet to be included.
The unpaid amounts largely affect officers on Band E and below, as well as registered nurses, medical imaging technologists and senior pharmacy technicians who have carried out overtime duties but could not be compensated due to budget constraints.
The disclosures have renewed scrutiny on health sector funding and the sustainability of overtime practices within Fiji’s public health system.
