2000 Beds Shortage as $4.46bn Needed to Provide Best Services
“If one has to do the math to see how much it is to build to the standard that we want to build to be able to provide the best of care there is, the cost $4.46billion.
Monday 16 September 2024 | 11:41
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu (with garland), Fiji Medical Association president Dr Basharat Munshi (in black and blue suit) with the members of the association during the conference at Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa on September 15, 2024. Photo: Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Fiji hospitals are short of 2000 beds to be able to cater for the country’s population.
This was highlighted by the outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association Dr Basharat Munshi during the 63rd Annual Conference of the Fiji Medical Association at the Hilton Resort on Saturday.
He said for Fiji’s current population we need 3000 beds.
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“We are short by 1500 to 2000 beds if I have to overestimate,” he said.
“If one has to do the math to see how much it is to build to the standard that we want to build to be able to provide the best of care there is, the cost $4.46billion.
“To get to where we need that amount.”
Challenges at CWM
He said the recurring theater problem at CWM is a challenge.
“We are not able to utilize our full potential, I know solutions are coming but we are unable to do elective cases. We only have enough theater space to focus on emergency cases while elective cases are usually on waiting list.
“We have had some cases where elective operations are done at Oceania Hospital which is helping with the backlog however it costs money.
“When our CT scan breaks down we outsource it and that puts a strain on our budget.
“While I understand Rome was not built in a day we hope the CWM master plan that was launched a month ago will address these issues.”
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the CWM Master plan would look into addressing these issues.
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