The BA Vision Eye Clinic, represented by Jacqueline Luck, has raised concerns regarding the Health Ministry’s recent decision to deny registration to expatriate eye surgeons, thereby hindering their ability to provide essential surgeries in Fiji. Speaking at a Town Hall Forum organized by the Fijian Media Association in Ba, Ms. Luck emphasized the urgent need for these skilled professionals, highlighting that over 100 patients are currently on a waiting list for cataract surgeries and retina treatments that are not available locally.
In her address, Ms. Luck pointed out that Fiji has successfully hosted international surgeons in the past, who have delivered vital services to the community. However, the Ministry has recently imposed restrictions on the registration of these medical professionals, despite several successful applications in the past. She advocates for the acceptance of expatriate surgeons as critical players in bridging the gaps in local healthcare capabilities.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka echoed these sentiments, expressing his worries over the Ministry’s position. He stressed the importance of incorporating qualified international surgeons into the healthcare system to support local medical personnel. The Prime Minister acknowledged the government’s responsibility to prioritize patient safety while also enabling competent foreign professionals to play a role in enhancing healthcare delivery.
This situation sheds light on the ongoing challenges within Fiji’s healthcare sector, particularly the persistent shortage of specialists. The government recognizes these issues and is actively pursuing strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. Previous discussions have underscored the necessity for better healthcare governance to adequately meet the community’s medical needs.
The collaboration between local and international medical professionals, as exemplified by the efforts at the BA Vision Eye Clinic, underscores the pressing demands facing the Fijian healthcare system. Although obstacles remain, the ongoing dialogue aimed at improving healthcare access and quality presents a hopeful outlook for future advancements. Enhanced teamwork in the medical field could lead to significant improvements that not only address the needs of patients today but also fortify the healthcare foundation for generations to come.