The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society has voiced strong support for the repeal of the Registration of Skilled Professionals Act, viewing it as a vital step toward promoting fairness, improving oversight, and protecting public health. According to President Priyanka Prasad, the previous legislation created a lopsided two-tier system which permitted foreign-trained pharmacists to practice without undergoing the appropriate checks required by the Pharmacy Profession Act.
The repeal will now require all pharmacists, whether trained locally or abroad, to complete necessary qualification assessments and competency examinations before they are allowed to practice in Fiji. Prasad emphasized that with the reinstatement of the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board, thorough checks and competency evaluations will be enforced, significantly enhancing patient safety, which is the primary concern of the community.
The pharmaceutical sector has welcomed this reform, recognizing its importance in prioritizing patient safety and ensuring equal treatment for both local graduates and international applicants. While there may be some initial delays for overseas applicants as the regulatory framework shifts back to its statutory structure, Prasad highlighted that these modifications are essential for safeguarding public health.
She also indicated that the removal of conflicting systems would lead to clearer processes in the long term. Prasad underscored that the previous law’s inadequate entry points had put patients at risk and diminished trust in the pharmacy profession.
It’s important to note that while the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society does not manage registration applications, this task is maintained by the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board following the repeal. Although the changes might necessitate some adjustments, Prasad reassured that Fiji is eager to welcome foreign-trained pharmacists, as long as they meet the established standards. This commitment to stringent qualification processes marks a positive shift for the health sector, bolstering the integrity of pharmacy services in Fiji.