As the public healthcare system is under immense strain and pushed to its limits due to outdated facilities and equipment, shortages of essential medications and an ever-increasing burden of NCDs, the Fiji Medical Association is calling on the government to address these issues with urgency and is urging people to take greater care of their health.
FMA President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea says these challenges affect everyone, not just those working in healthcare but every Fijian who depends on these services for their well-being.
He says adding to these pressures is the alarming rise in new HIV cases, exacerbated by unsafe practices linked to the methamphetamine epidemic.
Dr Vakamocea says our healthcare professionals are working tirelessly, often under significant resource constraints, to deliver the best care possible.
He says many of the frustrations people may experience in accessing care—long wait times, stockouts of medication, or limited resources—are not due to a lack of effort by our doctors, nurses, and other health workers.
Dr Vakamocea says instead, they are the result of chronic systemic issues that require time, planning, and collective effort with the government of the day to resolve.
The FMA President says despite these limitations, healthcare professionals remain deeply committed to their work, often going above and beyond to serve the communities.
He says however, improving healthcare is not solely the responsibility of the system (government) or its workers.
Dr Vakamocea says it is a responsibility that belongs to everyone and people can play their part by adopting healthier habits to reduce the burden of preventable diseases.
He says making small, consistent changes like eating more nutritious meals, exercising regularly, avoiding substance abuse, and seeking preventive care like family planning, NCD screening etc—can have a tremendous impact on the health and reduce the demand on an already overburdened healthcare system.
Dr Vakamocea says additionally, they urge everyone to cultivate a mindset of understanding and respect for the healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for the people.
The FMA president says their work is demanding, and they face daily challenges that test their resilience.
Dr Vakamocea says instead of assigning blame, let us approach these difficulties with empathy and focus on being part of the solution.
He say the FMA is thankful to this government for being open and transparent in sharing the issues that has led to this point.
The FMA President says, however, in the same breath the responsibility falls on the government again to address the issues in a timely manner so that they can start improving the health system again.
He says unfortunately, this needs to be done with some urgency as delays in health system improvements lead to further suffering and death.
Dr Vakamocea says ultimately, a positively improving health system requires the collective effort from government, health professionals, and the public.
He adds by taking ownership of our health and supporting those who care for us, we can help create a healthier, more resilient Fiji for generations to come.
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