280 Medical Officers Resign from Health Ministry

A total of 280 medical officers resigned from Fiji's Ministry of Health in 2022 and 2023, creating a shortage of senior specialist doctors.

So far, 15 doctors have resigned this year.

Outgoing President of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr Basharat Munshi, revealed these figures during the association's 63rd annual conference held at the Hilton Resort on Saturday.

"One of the things that concerns us is the seniority of the doctors that are leaving," said Dr Munshi.

"We have doctors who have been trained, and who are specialists. That calibre of people leaving hurts us."

Dr Munshi highlighted that many of these doctors moved to the private sector, with 2022 and 2023 witnessing a significant exodus.

He added: "There is a significant attrition rate within doctors who are not only going abroad but also entering the private sector."

Dr Munshi recommends the Ministry of Health conduct a survey to identify and address the "push" and "pull" factors driving the departure of doctors.

Minister for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, acknowledged the issue, stating it was heavily impacting healthcare delivery in both primary health settings and major hospitals.

However, he noted the rate of resignations had decreased this year.

"The pull factors, we can't compete with. It's about improving working conditions, remuneration, and over time, listening to their concerns and addressing them," said Dr Lalabalavu.

"Even if we improve infrastructure, human resources are crucial for delivering quality healthcare, and addressing both the push and pull factors is essential."

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