Improving healthcare standards, strengthening medical training and addressing Fiji’s growing drug and HIV crisis, were among the key issues discussed during the Fiji Medical Association Central Mini Conference held at the Holiday Inn in Suva today.
The conference, held under the theme “Make it Happen – Results Over Rhetoric”, featured 16 speakers who discussed a range of topics including surgical innovations, women’s health, HIV response, healthcare challenges and the Fiji Medical Association’s position on mandatory drug testing.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Acting President of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr Ronal Kumar says the association remains focused on improving professional standards for doctors, supporting members welfare and advocating for better healthcare policies.
Dr Kumar highlighted plans to review and strengthen Fiji’s medical internship programme to ensure young doctors are properly supervised and trained across all major hospitals in the country.
He also raised concerns about the increasing number of medical graduates entering the system each year, saying Fiji may soon produce more doctors than available jobs, which could affect the quality of training and education.
Insert: Dr Kumar on young, future doctors
He stressed that many young doctors face uncertainty, financial pressure and workforce challenges after graduation, while hospitals continue to struggle with manpower shortages and limited resources.
Dr Kumar also spoke on the pressures faced by frontline healthcare workers, including issues surrounding overtime payments, saying hospitals cannot stop operating during emergencies, natural disasters or public health crises.
He highlighted Fiji’s growing HIV and drug crisis, describing it as a major national issue that requires a coordinated response involving healthcare, law enforcement, education, communities and policymakers.
He says healthcare workers across Fiji continue to deliver quality services despite limited funding, infrastructure and staffing challenges.
Dr Kumar also called for greater independence for the Fiji Medical and Dental Council to ensure proper regulation of healthcare professionals and protect professional standards in the country.
He is urging healthcare leaders and authorities to focus on practical solutions, accountability and long-term improvements to strengthen Fiji’s healthcare system and support future generations of medical professionals.
