Fiji now has child immunization coverage rates as high as 98% - Health Minister

Fiji now has child immunization coverage rates as high as 98% that are amongst the best in the world.

This has been highlighted by Health Minister Rosy Akbar who says that this means our children are protected against deadly and disabling diseases.

Speaking in support of 2017/2018 National Budget, Akbar says the maternal mortality rate that is mothers dying during child birth was lower in 2016 than at any time during the current century.

She says the rate for amputation diabetic foot ulcers reduced by more than two thirds between 2011 and 2016 which is a reflection on better care and support for people affected by diabetes.

Akbar says the smoking rate among both males and females is also lower than that of most Pacific Island countries.

The Health Minister says she cannot deny that they continue to face challenges in ensuring that all Fijians can have convenient and timely access to the high quality of out-patient and in-patient services that are entitled to expect in today’s world.

Akbar highlights that as the additional 150 doctors and 200 nurses take up their posts, they will see a great range of services become available in smaller rural communities and improve access to services in major divisional hospitals.

Akbar says recruitment of additional staff means that they will be able to offer extended opening hours in some of the busier health centres and the Valelevu Health Centre is set to start operating on a 24/7 basis before the end of this year.

Akbar says $27.7 million allocated for consumables, medicines and medical appliances will enable them to hold more stock in country and help to reduce the risks of stock out.

The Health Minister highlights that the government free medicines scheme will continue.