FMA warns: Hospital pharmacy cuts put lives at risk

The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has slammed the government’s decision to stop outpatient pharmacy services at two major hospitals, warning it puts Fijian lives in danger.

FMA President Dr Alipate Vakamocea condemned the Ministry of Health’s move to cease pharmacy services at Aspen Medical-run Lautoka and Ba hospitals, forcing patients to collect medications from external pharmacies.

“No policy should ever put the lives of Fijians at risk,” he said.
“Redirecting vulnerable patients to fragmented, under-resourced outlets during a budget increase is indefensible.”

Under the change, patients discharged from Lautoka Hospital’s Emergency Department must now travel to Vidilo House or three other pharmacies under the Free Medicine Scheme.

Dr Vakamocea said many rural, elderly, or low-income patients lack the transport or mobility needed to make those trips—and may skip essential medications as a result.

The FMA raised alarm over how this would impact patients on critical drugs, such as Warfarin, HIV medication, and cancer treatments, and warned private pharmacies may face stock shortages under the added pressure.

The Ministry of Health, however, defended the move, saying it was made to comply with the Concession Agreement with Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd (trading as Aspen Medical), and not because of budget cuts.

“This decision was made to comply with the Concession Agreement, not due to budget constraints,” the Ministry said.

But the FMA hit back, questioning why Aspen was still receiving a $117 million budget allocation while core services were being cut.

The association has called for an immediate reversal of the directive and urged consultation with frontline health workers to develop a practical solution.