Compain confirms they had to buy IV fluids for the CWM Children's Hospital today

President of International Women's Association Fiji says the shortage of IV fluids, particularly saline, remains a pressing issue.

Compain says while they acknowledge the Ministry of Health’s efforts to address public concern, this afternoon, IWA Fiji urgently procured and delivered saline to the CWM Children’s Hospital and they have placed orders for more.

Compain says they are aware that many patients have been asked to purchase their own saline, indicating a lack of urgency from those tasked with managing the supply.

She stresses the added burden placed on families, often during moments of critical need is deeply concerning.

While reacting to the Ministry of Health statement that there is no shortage of IV fluids, Compain says its disheartening when public statements don’t reflect what’s happening on the ground.

She says in times like these, seeking help from partners, agencies, or donors should be seen as a responsible and necessary step, not a last resort.

Compain has also tagged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, saying there is strength in transparency and collaboration.

She says acknowledging the need and acting swiftly can make all the difference, for our hospitals, our frontline workers, and most importantly, our patients.

Some medical experts have said that the IV stocks are running low as the only way to deal with dengue is panadol and fluids.

We have also been told that prescriptions are being written and given for fluids to be brought in for IV drips.

Yesterday, the Ministry said they are concerned with the misinformation reported in the media, and they have also stated on record in previous media interviews the current global shortage of IV fluids, which is expected to continue through 2025 with supply constraints.

They say the Ministry is doing its utmost best to ensure the timely supply to more than 200 healthcare facilities in the country.

It said through the Fiji Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Services (FPBS), the Ministry had received 3,000 units of IV fluids last week, and another 4,200 units are yet to be cleared by the Fiji Procurement Office (FPO).

They added that FPBS have also placed continuous orders for IV fluids in the next few days.

When fijivillage News contacted Health Minister Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu for comments, he said Compain is entitled to her views.

Doctor Lalabalavu says he supports the Ministry's recent statement because it’s backed by reliable information from their team on the stocks and its availability to their facilities.

The Minister says there is a shortage of global supply of IV fluids, you can ask their counterparts or google it and they are doing everything they can by the book to get more available and that is ongoing.

Doctor Lalabalavu says with any outbreak, the demand is always greater than the supply and while they continue to source for more IV fluids to come in both locally and abroad, the Ministry will continue to address the outbreak both in the clinical setting as well as scaling up their efforts on the prevention, awareness and community engagement through the public health team.

He says the earlier statement is the Ministry's response.