FIJI’S health system is at “rock bottom” and Colonial War Memorial Hospital is a “total mess”, says former dean and professor of surgery at the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Eddie McCaig.
His criticism comes as the Ministry of Health acknowledged that its 2015–2025 strategic plan was unsuccessful, raising questions about the implementation and monitoring of long-term plans for the country’s health system.
Permanent secretary for Health Dr Luisa Cikamatana said the plan had not been properly evaluated as it progressed, while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its implementation and created a backlog.
“It hasn’t been successful,” she said.
Speaking during a panel discussion on recommendations to improve Fiji’s health system, Prof McCaig said the country first needed to acknowledge its failures before meaningful changes could be made.
He said no one in Fiji had ever claimed the health system was functioning well.
“Everyone has said we are struggling,” he said.
“CWM Hospital, it’s a total mess.”
Prof McCaig said CWM Hospital had nine operating theatres, but at the best of times only two were functioning.
He said Fiji needed to bring in experienced health professionals who had “done it all” and “made the mistakes” to help guide reforms.
“We have to admit we’re doing a bad job.”
Prof McCaig also questioned the effectiveness of continuing to produce strategic plans without clearly identifying who would be responsible for implementing them.
Dr Cikamatana said the ministry was now undertaking a labour market analysis to improve workforce planning and implementation.
The analysis will identify the workforce required, where services should be provided and the resources needed. Its findings are expected by the end of the year.
