WOMEN’S Minister Sashi Kiran has urged the Fiji Medical Association (FMA) to implement measures that safeguard the emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of its members.
She told participants during the FMA 2025 Annual Scientific Conference in Nadi on Saturday “without you, we don’t have health care services for our most vulnerable”.
“Ministry of Health and Medical Services have a strong focus on infrastructure upgrades (like a new national hospital), enhancing public health services, strengthening health systems against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and public health emergencies, and increasing staff and medicines with the 2025-2026 budget allocating over $600 million to the sector,” Ms Kiran said.
“All these are needed developments, yet you are at the heart of health care.
“You stand between life and death of every vulnerable individual. You look in their eyes full of fear, looking at you with hope as their saviour. The burden on you is huge and you carry this responsibility every day, night and day.”
Ms Kiran emphasised that Fiji does not have a good health-seeking behaviour.
“Poor food choices, sedentary lifestyle and stress often caused more by the excessive use of gadgets will only increase the burden on the health system and I hope FMA is developing mechanisms to ensure your health is a priority; I call on FMA to put in mechanisms to ensure emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of its members.
“Without you, we don’t have health care services for our most vulnerable. The Fiji Medical Association’s theme resonates deeply with our vision.
“Accountability means systems that are transparent, measurable, and responsive to the needs of every patient. Ethics demands that we put humanity first — always upholding dignity, confidentiality, and fairness.”
She said innovation was not just about technology.
“It is about rethinking how we deliver care, through community partnerships, digital health, preventive programs, and climate-smart healthcare facilities.
“Innovation must never lose sight of compassion. It must serve not just the urban elite, but also rural communities, people with disabilities, and families living on the margins.”
