Two young Fijian doctors committed suicide last year because of work related stress.

This was revealed by the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete who said they were trying to do away with 36-hour work shifts for doctors.

“Last year we had two suicides. Two young doctors committed suicide. One of them was from Makoi. The reason is simple, it was because of the challenges that they faced,” Dr Waqainabete said.

When asked about the doctor to patient ratio in public hospitals, Dr Waqainabete said the Ministry currently has 804 doctors which is a significant increase from 431 doctors in 2014.

Fiji’s ratio has now surpassed the WHO (World Health Organisation) minimum standard of 1:1000 with our current ratio of 1:800.

He said the recent surge in acute viral illnesses has put pressure on their system.

“We want to work doctors correct to the number of hours and because we are work correcting them, we are beginning to see what seems to be a shortage of doctors,” he said.

“It is our role and responsibility to ensure that we have safe doctors providing a safe service and the numbers are now right to be able to do it.

“The days of working 36-hours straight without rest is unforgivable.

“And if anyone in this house should say that should continue, that is wrong.

“By Occupational Health and Safety that is unacceptable.”

Dr Waqainabete also highlighted that at one time, he earned $17,000, whereas junior doctors today earn $45,000.

He also noted that there are currently 159 vacant positions for doctors within the ministry.

Dr Waqainabete pleaded with fellow parliamentarians and members of the public to bear with the Ministry as they work to ensure that patients are attended to and doctors work in a safe environment.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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