Following calls for higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks, junk food and kava to tackle the country’s growing non-communicable disease burden and as one way of funding our healthcare, the Ministry of Finance says it will work closely with relevant stakeholders to consider measures that can improve health outcomes in Fiji.
These calls were made during the Fiji Medical Association conference.
Permanent Secretary for Finance, Shiri Goundar says some of these products are already subject to taxation, and these measures are reviewed annually as part of the National Budget process.
He says any measures considered to support improved health outcomes for the people of Fiji will also take into account broader economic and fiscal considerations.
Goundar says the Ministry has taken note of the discussions and recommendations raised by health sector leaders and acknowledges the need for serious and sustained interventions to address NCDs.
He adds the increasing prevalence of NCDs is placing significant pressure on Fiji’s health system as well and highlights the importance of ensuring adequate funding is available for the health sector, including investment in health infrastructure, medical equipment, health personnel and essential medicines.
While responding to an issue raised on whether people should start paying for health services in hospitals as one way of funding our healthcare, Minister for Health Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says our health system is publicly funded, and any decision on hospital fees will have to be a government decision and policy.
He says the process also has to be consultative, and so far, no such decision has been made.
