AROUND 200 intern doctors in Fiji remain without substantive medical officer positions despite positions reportedly being budgeted for, raising concerns over workforce planning in the health sector.
Fiji Medical Association president Dr Ronald Kumar said delays in posting newly qualified doctors had become one of the most pressing issues facing the medical profession.
He said between 15 and 20 graduates who completed their internship in 2023 were still awaiting job postings.
Dr Kumar said about 200 doctors who entered the internship program in 2020 had remained in intern positions for about two-and-a-half years.
He said many who completed training were expected to be posted in January but were still awaiting appointments six months later.
“Now, coming to June this year, they are still waiting to be posted to substantive medical officer positions,” he said.
Dr Kumar said the positions had reportedly been budgeted for, but existing government policies were preventing deployment.
He said the internship program, intended to run for two years, had now stretched to about two-and-a-half years.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the issue had been raised with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commission.
He said the ministry had sought exemptions to ensure essential health services were not affected by staffing shortages.
“We have requested the Office of the Prime Minister and the Public Service Commission if they can give us exemption in some of the much needed workforce,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
He said newly graduated nurses and doctors were among those being considered for exemptions due to workforce demands.
Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry would continue working to sustain health services despite increasing financial pressures.
