Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa has urged the community to utilize established legal and professional channels for filing complaints against licensed medical or dental practitioners, advising against the public airing of such issues on social media platforms.
Ravunawa’s comments come after the Ministry of Health and Medical Services engaged with a family to guide them on the proper procedures for lodging complaints under the Fiji Medical and Dental Practitioner Act 2010. He emphasized that concerns regarding the conduct of registered healthcare professionals should be handled through the appropriate legal mechanisms, which ensure that complaints are addressed fairly and respectfully for all parties involved.
The Minister reiterated that the ministry would not respond to allegations made on social media, especially those concerning patients. This stance is rooted in the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to legal and ethical standards. “Health matters often involve sensitive personal information and are regulated by stringent laws and ethical obligations. Public responses on social media could risk breaching confidentiality and disrupt ongoing or potential investigations,” Ravunawa stated.
He cautioned that taking to social media to voice grievances does not contribute to family support or resolve concerns effectively, often leading to misinformation and additional distress without achieving accountability or justice.
Ravunawa therefore encouraged families and members of the public to formally register their complaints through the proper channels by calling 157, which is available 24 hours a day, or by sending an email to admin@fmdc.com. He assured the public that the ministry is prepared to assist any family or individual in navigating the appropriate legal avenues to address their concerns, fostering a more constructive approach to resolving issues in healthcare.
This emphasis on formal complaint channels not only supports the integrity of the healthcare system but also safeguards the interests of patients, ensuring their needs are met through the right processes.