Diabetes Fiji hopes for more funding to address consumable shortages

A shortage of diabetic consumables at health facilities around Fiji has raised concerns about the quality of care available to thousands of patients living with diabetes, with advocates hoping the upcoming national budget will address the issue.

Executive director of Diabetes Fiji, Kini Marawa, said feedback from communities indicated that diabetic consumables were in short supply at health centres and clinics across the country.

He said public health facilities operated dedicated clinics for diabetic patients, making it important for essential supplies to be readily available.

“The feedback we’ve been receiving from communities is that there are shortages of diabetic consumables in health facilities throughout Fiji,” Mr Marawa said.

He believes Government needs to prioritise ensuring these supplies reached health facilities so patients can access the care they need.

Mr Marawa noted that diabetes management required more than medication, with patients also relying on consumables such as testing strips and other monitoring equipment to effectively manage their condition.

He said the availability of these supplies was critical in helping patients monitor their blood sugar levels and avoid serious complications.

With the 2026-2027 National Budget due to be announced, Mr Marawa said Diabetes Fiji remained hopeful that increased funding would be directed towards strengthening primary healthcare services and ensuring essential diabetic consumables were consistently available across the country.

He said improved access to these supplies would help support better health outcomes for people living with diabetes and ease the burden on patients and their families.