Chemo drugs covered for Lautoka, Ba patients: Ministry assures

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed it will provide free chemotherapy medication for newly diagnosed cancer patients at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals.

This is after concerns were raised that patients were being asked to pay for their treatment in the two hospitals.

In a statement, the Ministry said prescriptions for new patients will be sent to the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS), which will then supply the hospitals with the required medication for admitted patients or dispense it directly to outpatients.

“The Ministry wishes to assure members of the public that it is committed to providing Universal Health Coverage for all, regardless of their background or location, and that they will have access to quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without facing financial hardship,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid mounting criticism after reports that the two hospitals were charging newly diagnosed cancer patients for chemotherapy medication.

The Fiji Cancer Society described the practice as “cruel” and “unjust,” warning it undermined the government’s promise of universal health coverage.

The Society said it had been working with clinicians and partners to support patients but could not remain silent while people were being priced out of lifesaving treatment.

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