Medics back healthcare support system

The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has backed a temporary measure introduced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) that relies on Community Health Workers (CHWs) to support healthcare delivery in Lakeba, following concerns over the safety of frontline health staff in rural and maritime areas. 

FMA president Dr Alipate Vakamocea said the association supported the ministry’s decision until staff safety could be fully guaranteed. Under the arrangement, Community Health Workers (CHW) will work closely with the health team based in Lakeba, acting as the “eyes and ears” of the health system within the community. 

Dr Vakamocea said CHWs would communicate directly with the Lakeba health team and refer any emergency cases for immediate attention, ensuring continuity of care while reducing risks to health workers. 

“The safety of our staff is paramount,” he said, adding that communities must take responsibility for protecting their health services to ensure they remain available. 

Background 

The temporary measure follows an incident in Ono-i-Lau last month in which a nurse was allegedly harassed while carrying out her duties.

This raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of health workers stationed in remote maritime areas. The incident prompted the Ministry of Health to review service delivery arrangements on the island and implement interim measures to protect staff. 

Health sector stakeholders have since stressed that harassment and intimidation of medical personnel, not only endanger workers, but also disrupt access to essential healthcare services for rural communities. The Ministry of Health has indicated that longer-term solutions will be considered to ensure both staff security and uninterrupted health services in Lakeba and other outer islands. 

The current arrangement will remain in place until appropriate safeguards are established to allow health workers to operate safely in the community.