Acting Fiji Medical Association President Dr Ronal Kumar says frontline healthcare workers continue to face major challenges, despite ongoing policies and discussions aimed at improving Fiji’s health system.
Speaking after the FMA Central Mini Conference at the Holiday Inn in Suva, Dr Kumar says doctors and nurses are often working under pressure with limited resources while still delivering care to patients.
The conference, held under the theme “Make it Happen – Results Over Rhetoric”, focused on key issues including HIV, drug use, women’s health and workforce challenges.
Insert: Dr Ronal Kumar on the challenge the association is facing
Dr Kumar says frontline workers continue to deal with the realities on the ground, especially in rural and maritime areas where decisions must be made with limited equipment and transport.
He highlighted the need to strengthen primary healthcare, saying more focus is needed on prevention and community-based care rather than just treatment.
He also raised concerns over rising HIV cases, drug use, cancer and non-communicable diseases, saying a more coordinated national response is needed.
On mandatory drug testing, Dr Kumar says the FMA supports responsible testing with proper safeguards to ensure fairness.
He adds that healthcare workers continue to operate under difficult conditions, including long hours and workforce shortages, but still provide essential care to Fijians nationwide.
He says every Fijian deserves access to quality healthcare, and the association will continue advocating for stronger systems, better support for workers and improved patient care.
