12-hour shifts spark health sector debate

Fiji’s already stretched healthcare workforce is facing new pressure as concerns grow over 12-hour shifts and the suspension of overtime pay.

At the forefront of the debate is Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, who has openly questioned whether such extended working hours are sustainable for nurses. 

He warned that fatigue and illness among frontline staff could worsen existing shortages, noting that when nurses fall sick, the system loses even more capacity.

These concerns come as the Fijian Nurses Association intensifies calls for government action.

During its Annual General Meeting, the association urged authorities to exempt nurses from a civil service policy that has effectively halted overtime payments. 

For many nurses, overtime is not a luxury but a necessity, helping to fill critical staffing gaps.

With the public health sector operating at less than 70 per cent of its required nursing workforce, the removal of overtime incentives has sparked frustration and concern among healthcare workers who say they are being asked to do more with less.  

Despite mounting pressure, Dr Lalabalavu indicated that any changes must align with broader government priorities.

He confirmed that concerns about nurses and healthcare workers are regularly raised at Cabinet level, but acknowledged the limitations imposed by current economic conditions. 

He said the country continues to navigate financial strain, including the impact of a fuel crisis, which has forced ministries to tighten spending. 

While overtime is technically budgeted for, reports from within hospital departments suggest that funding constraints are limiting its availability in practice. 

The minister stressed that the Ministry of Health must operate within directives from central agencies, including the civil service, even as it advocates for its workforce.

This balancing act highlights the challenge of maintaining essential services while adhering to national fiscal policies.  

Workforce shortages and system pressures persist 

Beyond the immediate dispute over shifts and pay, Fiji’s healthcare system faces deeper structural challenges.

Staffing shortages remain a critical issue, with the number of nurses in the public sector well below optimal levels. 

Efforts are being made to address some of these gaps. 

Dr Lalabalavu welcomed initiatives such as free adult heart surgeries introduced by Sai Prema Foundation Fiji, describing them as a positive step forward.

However, he acknowledged that such programmes are temporary and do not replace the need for long-term workforce expansion.