World Bank Health Specialist Dr Mesulame Namedre says that Fiji has a history of underinvesting in its health sector compared to its upper-middle-income country peers.

Non-communicable diseases are estimated to cost Fiji about $591 million annually in both direct and indirect costs, such as lost working days, says World Bank Health Specialist Dr Mesulame Namedre.

Fiji recorded 552 new HIV cases in the first six months of this year, and Family Health Unit Head Dr. Rachel Devi is urging parents and guardians to openly speak to teenagers about making better life choices.

Nadi Hospital has launched a comprehensive range of in-house counselling services designed to address a variety of critical issues.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr Jemesa Tudravu says the Pacific Immunization Managers Meeting aims to revitalize immunization efforts, enhance disease surveillance, and tackle vaccine hesitancy.

Fiji’s maternal health care service is in crisis after 500 midwives resigned last year, leaving around 200 to serve a childbearing population of around 300,000 females.

President of the Fiji Medical Association Dr Alipate Vakamocea says the country’s health system is facing a growing crisis, with shortages of over 100 essential and critical medicines and equipment failures.

The Ministry of Health confirms that there have been cases antibiotic-resistant organisms isolated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, but each case is managed with strict clinical oversight to protect patients and staff.

Medical negligence including wrong medication being administered, incorrect doses for children and misdiagnoses occur almost every day in our healthcare system but only a few are ever reported or made public.

The Health Ministry is taking a significant leap forward towards improving healthcare delivery with the introduction of a digital solution aimed at streamlining patient care across the country.

Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says without sufficient funding, Fiji’s efforts to safeguard its health systems and protect vulnerable communities will be severely compromised.

Fiji Cancer Society Chief Executive Belinda Chan highlights that most cervical and breast cancer patients are in their prime working age, typically their 30s, 40s, and 60s.