70% of CWM surgeries linked to diabetic foot complications

Diabetic foot surgery now accounts for 70 per cent of all surgical procedures performed at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, with patients continuing to seek medical treatment only after serious complications develop, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa says.

Mr Ravunawa said many people with diabetes were still turning to herbal remedies and faith-based treatments before seeking professional medical care, despite years of public awareness campaigns.

"Unfortunately, with our communal system in Fiji, we tend to rely on herbal medicine and certain faith-based beliefs. People often resort to these first and only come to hospital when their diabetes complications have reached an advanced stage," he said.

He said the delays were undermining the work of healthcare professionals and village health workers, who continued to educate communities on preventing non-communicable diseases.

"As you know, we have more than 220 village health workers across the country. Their role is to educate villagers and people in settlements and communities on how to take care of their health through healthy food choices, regular physical activity and adequate rest. All of these are important."

The warning comes as the 2025 Fiji STEPS Survey showed diabetes continues to affect a significant proportion of the population.

The survey found 16.5 per cent of Fijians are living with diabetes. Of those, 46.5 per cent were aware of their condition, while 71 per cent of those diagnosed were taking diabetes medication, including insulin.

Diabetes affected 4.7 per cent of people aged 18 to 29, with the prevalence rising sharply to 36.5 per cent among those aged 60 to 69.

The average age of people living with diabetes was 47.6 years, with women accounting for 53.7 per cent of cases.

The Western Division recorded the highest prevalence at 18.2 per cent, followed by the Central Division at 16.9 per cent.