The Ministry of Finance has enhanced its oversight of payments under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Free Medical Scheme, aiming to mitigate issues related to misuse and delays. While most participating General Practitioners (GPs), dental clinics, and medical laboratories receive timely payments, some claims have revealed discrepancies and instances of overcharging. As a result, payments are currently held until these claims are thoroughly validated and reconciled.
Under the terms of the PPP arrangement, payments must be authorized by FijiCare Insurance Limited, which verifies the accuracy of claims and validates the services rendered. The Ministry of Finance closely reviews each claim to ensure accountability and eliminate any risks of overcharging. Typically, payments are processed within 10 to 14 days when there are no issues; however, discrepancies or slow responses from GPs can extend this timeframe.
The Ministry has emphasized the importance of this verification process to safeguard public funds and ensure the integrity of the medical scheme. Payments for the month of August have already been released, and disbursements for September are being expedited. Additionally, the Ministry is actively engaging with service providers to reinforce awareness of the payment procedures and timelines.
A concern has been raised about reports of some GPs reportedly turning patients away under the scheme. The Ministry stated that this practice is unacceptable and indicated that measures would be taken if these claims are substantiated.
The government remains committed to ensuring that all eligible Fijians have access to quality and timely health services through the PPP Free Medical Scheme. This effort reflects an ongoing dedication to improve the healthcare sector amid previous challenges discussed by officials, highlighting a proactive stance toward resolving ongoing issues and enhancing service delivery. The hope is that with strengthened governance and communication, the initiative will continue to evolve positively, ensuring better healthcare access for communities across Fiji.