Fiji’s health system is struggling and urgent action is needed to address ongoing challenges.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Fiji Medical Association’s Strategic Conference,
former Dean and Professor of Surgery at the FNU College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Professor Eddie McCaig says the health system is at “rock bottom” describing CWM Hospital as being in a “total mess”.
Professor McCaig says he has not met anyone in Fiji working within the health sector, including patients, administrators, doctors or nurses, who believes the system is functioning well.
He says many people have raised concerns about the challenges facing the health system.
Professor McCaig says CWM Hospital has nine operating theatres, but at the best of times, only two are functioning.
He says the first thing we need to do is to admit that we are doing a bad job.
Professor McCaig says the focus should not be on financial rewards, but on bringing together experienced people who have worked in the sector, learned from past mistakes, and can provide practical solutions.
He says there needs to be greater focus on who will implement strategic plans and manage programmes, rather than simply developing more plans.
Professor McCaig says experienced professionals should be involved in guiding the future direction of Fiji’s health system.
Meanwhile, in response to Professor McCaig's comments, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says since taking up his role as Health Minister, he has been trying to improve the health system, infrastructure and services to the best of his ability, using available resources, empowering staff, and so forth.
He says in response to the comment that the health system is at "rock bottom", there have been improvements across more than 200 health facilities.
Lalabalavu says it is a statement made by Professor McCaig, and he is entitled to his opinion however, he says the Ministry has made many improvements to Fiji's health system, while acknowledging that more work needs to be done.
He says CWM Hospital is one area the Ministry has plans to improve, and these plans are not only being developed but are currently being implemented.
