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 Fiji is a Pacific island nation consisting of more than 800 volcanic and coral islands, with a population of just over 950,000. Fiji has one the most developed economies out of the Pacific Island nations. Fiji enjoys a significant tourist industry, with the number of visitors ranging from 400,000-500,000 a year. Over the last decade the healthcare system in Fiji has seen improvements, but there is still work and investment required to effect further benefits.
All citizens of Fiji have the right to free healthcare through the public healthcare system, irrespective of social and financial standing in the community.
The Fiji healthcare system is comprised of both private and public healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health in Fiji has the role of monitoring and maintaining the healthcare sector in Fiji and the funding of public healthcare facilities. Private facilities are present in Fiji essentially catering for foreign nationals. The financing of Fiji’s public healthcare sector is heavily dependent on general taxation.
The Ministry of Health in Fiji went through a reform programme between 1999 and 2003 supported by financial funding from the Australia Agency for International Development (AusAID). After completion of the review the health management structure in Fiji was strengthened and decentralized. Between 2004-2008 the Fijian health sector went through an improvement programme, which was overseen by AusAid. The improvement programme focused on the further development of public healthcare including infrastructure, governance and system / process strengthening. There has been a steady increase in government funds made available for the public healthcare sector in Fiji, with a continued emphasis to further develop the health sector across Fiji.
Compared to Fiji's Pacific Island neighbors, the healthcare system in Fiji is relatively well developed. However, there have been some shortcomings which have impeded progress in effecting improvements to the primary healthcare system. The inevitable problem of providing sufficient funds for targeted healthcare standards and shortages of healthcare professionals. Between 70-80% of Fiji's population had access to healthcare facilities, but only 40% had access to quality healthcare services; this is partly due to poor government organization. Nevertheless, the government of Fiji has shown commitment to effecting continuing improvements to the healthcare sector across Fiji.
Healthcare services are delivered through 900 village clinics, 124 nursing stations, 3 hospitals, 76 health centres, 29 sub-divisional medical centres and 3 divisional hospitals and a private hospital in the capital – Suva.
For long-term medical conditions and acute health issues, Fiji's healthcare facilities are inadequate to meet the medical needs of patients. The healthcare system is limited and any complex medical producers cannot be completed in medical facilities within Fiji. While there is one private hospital in the capital Suva with better technology, many Fijians are unable to meet the medical costs for private healthcare.
Fiji suffers from a lack of medical professionals - there is a shortage of trained doctors, nurses and medical specialists across the whole of Fiji; the Ministry of Health in Fiji is addressing this issue by taking steps to improve the retention and training of valuable medical professionals.
Foreign nationals in Fiji are required to pay for all medical treatment they receive in the country. The majority of medical centers require cash payments up-front, before a doctor will commence treatment. The medical procedures available in Fiji are limited; there is the possibility that a patient will need to be evacuated to the nearest country with fully equipped heathcare facilities to meet the medical treatments required for some patients.
The demand for healthcare services has increased over the years, which has partially been met by the expansion of private healthcare facilities. The development of the private healthcare sector is expected to relieve some the pressure on the public healthcare facilities, with the aim to reduce long waiting periods for patients seeking medical treatment.
Suva Private Hospital is located in the capital, offering a comprehensive range of primary and secondary level clinical services. This healthcare facility does provide a extensive level of medical care, but is limited in the care it can offer a patient in critical circumstance. However, for less urgent medical conditions it provides patients will comfortable western-style medical services. All patients are responsible for payment of medical services and treatments received at Suva Private Hospital.
In the event of a medical emergency, a patient is likely to need a medical evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii - where there are medical centres of excellence. All foreign nationals should ensure they have adequate international health insurance for Fiji, which covers the policyholder for air ambulance services. When taking out medical insurance for Fiji, ensure you check the policy covers you and your family for all eventualities.
Fiji has a chronic problem with diabetes; it is estimated that 1 in 8 Fijians are affected in some way by this disease. The current healthcare facilities have struggled to meet the medical needs for Fijians suffering from diabetes, but there is an emphasis on improving the standard of treatment for diabetes patients across Fiji.
Dengue fever is common throughout out Fiji and is carried by infected mosquitoes. Dengue fever severely affects the lives of the Fijian population and imputes significant costs on the healthcare system. Anyone who contracts dengue fever will experience abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and will need to receive medical treatment. When outbreaks of dengue fever occur, it puts the healthcare system under immense pressure, due the volume of patients requiring medical treatment.
Water borne, food borne and other infectious diseases are endemic to Fiji, and from time-to-time widespread outbreaks occur. The Ministry of Health in Fiji is taking measures in order to minimize the impact on the Fijian population. Visitors are advised to contact a doctor as soon as possible if they do fall ill while in Fiji.
Fiji is a renowned diving spot, with many divers visiting the country for this activity. However, there are only two decompression chambers in the country - both in the capital Suva at the public run Colonial War Memorial Hospital and the Suva Private Hospital. Drivers should be aware the majority of diving facilities are away from the decompression chambers, and in the case medical emergency, they will be taken by air ambulance to one of the chambers. The patient is responsible for the cost of both transportation and medical services.
While the healthcare system in Fiji is adequate, it is still limited in its range of medical procedures it can undertake. The Ministry of Health is committed to continue the development of healthcare services and to improve the quality of medical service for Fijians. Disease preventative measures are at the forefront of actions being undertaken. Future funding of Fiji's healthcare system is an issue being tackled by the Ministry of Health in Fiji. Alternative revenue streams - other than general taxation – are being considered; these include a social insurance scheme and the imposition of hospital charges and fees for medical services. However there is recognition that the healthcare system needs to remain accessible to disadvantaged groups in Fiji.
Foreign nationals who are going to Fiji for a holiday or as an expatriate, are encourage to obtain comprehensive international health insurance for the duration of there stay in Fiji. Medical services are not free for foreigners in either public or private healthcare facilities. Bear in mind that if you are a diver and taking part in this recreation pastime while in Fiji - ensure your Fijian medical insurance covers you for decompression treatment and emergency medical evacuation.
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If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Fiji, international health insurance plan will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Fiji. Should you require further information on Fiji, international medical insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now.
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