Concerns have been raised regarding the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) medical scheme in Fiji, as some patients report being denied service due to delayed government payments. Individuals who reached out to The Fiji Times have shared their frustrations after visiting two clinics in Suva, where they were informed that unpaid dues from the government were affecting their ability to receive care.
One patient, Ajinesh Prasad, recounted taking his elderly mother to a private clinic, only to be told they could not be assisted due to the need for prior payments from the government. Other patients reportedly experienced similar issues, highlighting a pressing need for the government to resolve these outstanding payments to ensure private clinics can continue operating effectively.
The Fiji College of General Practitioners (FCGP) corroborated these reports, confirming that several of its members have also faced challenges due to delayed payments. They noted that the last payment received for services rendered was in July, which has caused anxiety among private practitioners who rely on timely reimbursement. However, the FCGP also assured that many clinics are still attending to patients and have not turned them away despite the circumstances.
In response, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that he was not aware of the situation and pledged to contact the Minister for Health and Medical Services for clarification. Rabuka emphasized that if general practitioners have completed the necessary work, they will receive their payments.
Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health, recently acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the PPP initiative and stated that the program was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. He highlighted that foundational issues, including a lack of understanding of the PPP model and inadequate institutional capacity, have contributed to these challenges. Despite the setbacks, the collaboration with firms like Healthcare Fiji has led to notable improvements in healthcare services at Lautoka Hospital, which now boasts a modern emergency department and advanced medical facilities.
While the announcements about current challenges are concerning, there remains a hopeful outlook as the government is actively addressing these payment delays. Continued commitment to transparency and improvements in the governance of healthcare services can help build a more resilient healthcare system for the Fijian people.