Tracking of HIV and other diseases among Fiji’s prison population is set to improve with the rollout of a new digital health system, as authorities grapple with 206 confirmed HIV cases in correctional facilities.
Acting Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Auta Moceisuva said HIV, once negligible in Fiji’s prisons, had become a growing health burden.
The Patient Information System (PATISplus), launched yesterday, is expected to give authorities a clearer picture of disease trends and strengthen evidence-based planning, including decisions on medicines, staffing and patient referrals.
“PATIS is going to help in managing information relating to the secondary diseases, sickness that can extend beyond the walls once the prisoners are released,” Mr Moceisuva said.
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa said the system would strengthen continuity of care for inmates living with HIV and other conditions, including tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases and mental health challenges.
“Correctional health is also public health,” he said.
He noted that inmates would eventually return to their families and communities, making continuity of quality healthcare essential.
Director of Digital Health Shanil Prakash said the system would address difficulties caused by fragmented, paper-based records, which required health workers to make repeated phone calls and visits to access a patient’s medical history.
He explained that PATIS uses role-based access, allowing health workers to view only information they are authorised to access.
He stressed that patient confidentiality must be protected, with authorised users expected to handle sensitive medical information responsibly.
