The Health Ministry of Fiji is currently facing significant challenges in retaining essential health professionals, including medical, dental, laboratory, pharmacy, and imaging staff. During a recent session in Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu addressed these issues, highlighting the various incentives the Ministry offers, such as salary increments, on-call allowances, rural and remote incentives, rent-free housing, and options for training both locally and abroad.
Despite these measures, he acknowledged that recruitment efforts are hindered as many graduates opt for more lucrative positions overseas or in the private sector. Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj pointed out that the absence of director- and manager-level roles is limiting career advancement for allied health workers, which could exacerbate the issue, particularly as many senior positions are occupied by staff over the age of 50.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Lalabalavu announced that the forthcoming National Strategic Plan for Health Workforce 2025–2034 is designed to address these challenges by realigning roles, creating new director-level positions, and establishing clearer career pathways up to the level of Permanent Secretary. This initiative aims to provide a more structured progression for health professionals and retain talent within the public sector.
Additionally, MP Rinesh Sharma raised concerns about unpaid overtime for medical laboratory scientists, noting they work comparable hours to those in pharmacy and radiology. Dr. Lalabalavu assured that efforts are in place to ensure that any unresolved issues related to overtime payments are addressed promptly.
While the Ministry may not be able to compete with the salaries offered in the private sector or abroad, Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of professional development and improved working conditions as fundamental strategies to retain skilled health workers. This commitment to enhancing the healthcare workforce represents a proactive approach that fosters a sustainable and robust health system in Fiji.
By focusing on workforce planning and development, the Ministry aims not only to address the current shortage of healthcare professionals but also to ensure long-term improvements in the sector, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of the Fijian population. The government’s dedication to these initiatives is a hopeful sign for the future stability and effectiveness of healthcare services in Fiji.