Health Medication: Shortage in Danger
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has acknowledged the need for reform, but until systemic changes are implemented, the country’s most vulnerable populations remain at risk.
Friday 29 November 2024 | 15:34
Fijians across the country are feeling the brunt of persistent medicine shortages, with patients facing delays in accessing critical treatments.
The Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS), tasked with ensuring adequate supplies to more than 200 health facilities, cites both external and internal challenges for these disruptions.
These include three divisional hospitals, 12 specialist hospitals, 21 sub divisional hospitals, 94 health centres and 47 nursing stations.
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Director of FPBS Jeremaia Mataika told this masthead some suppliers have failed to deliver quality medicines as per contractual agreements, with substandard batches returned, compounding delays.
"Sometimes, we find out medicines are of no good quality after procurement, and we have to send them back,” Mr Mataika said.
“These include medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCD), creating a ‘shortage effect’ when demand spikes.”
The crisis is exacerbated by bureaucratic delays in procurement approvals, particularly from the Solicitor-General’s Office.
These internal bottlenecks, combined with suppliers’ lapses, have left gaps in essential medicine stocks.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that contracts with some suppliers had been terminated for failing to meet agreed standards.
“When due diligence identifies non-compliance, we act,” he said.
“While some contracts have been terminated, we seek alternatives to address the gaps.”
The ripple effect of these shortages is alarming, especially for patients managing chronic conditions.
The inability to secure effective medicines in a timely manner disrupts care and heightens health risks.
Public health experts are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of Fiji’s medicine procurement process. This is to prioritise transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
With FPBS bound by the Financial Management Act 2004 and Procurement Regulation 2010, critics argue that current frameworks are too rigid to respond to urgent public health needs.
“This is not just about processes or regulations. It’s about ensuring every Fijian can access safe, effective medicines when they need them,” a healthcare advocate said.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has acknowledged the need for reform, but until systemic changes are implemented, the country’s most vulnerable populations remain at risk.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
