SOME of the most senior positions at Labasa Hospital remain unfilled, adding pressure to an already stretched health system up North.
The hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Jaoji Vulibeci, said human resources continued to be one of the biggest challenges facing the hospital.
Dr Vulibeci said many medical specialists preferred to work in Suva, making it difficult to attract and retain experienced staff in Labasa.
“Some officers, who have completed their master’s degrees, are unwilling to return to Labasa,” he said.
He said the hospital was also facing a shortage of pharmacists, with many choosing to leave the public system for better-paying jobs in private practice.
He said high staff turnover is affecting the hospital’s accreditation, as some officers leave after only one or two years of service.
“The ministry is aware of the challenges and is working on solutions, but in the meantime, the hospital continues to operate under strain.”
Despite the vacancies, Dr Vulibeci said, Labasa Hospital remained committed to providing essential services to patients across the Northern Division, even as staff shortages continue to test the system.
