Healthcare system in crisis

Dr. Eddie McCaig, a senior doctor in Fiji, recently publicly questioned the whereabouts of as much as $4 billion in medical funds. He also pointed out that the elevators at CWM Hospital are not functioning properly, forcing patients to be carried by nurses to the operating room, using this as an example to illustrate that Fiji's healthcare system "has collapsed" and the hospital's condition is "terrible."

Dr. McCaig's claims have been confirmed, with newly purchased elevators still stuck in containers, awaiting installation. He believes this is just one of many problems at CWM Hospital hindering patient care. Dr. McCaig used his own experience as an example to express his concerns about the hospital's current situation: "I am a patient, and I went to CWM Hospital last Thursday for a blood test, and the situation was very sad."

"Those broken seats, you can only sit there, a kind nurse draws your blood and apologizes for all the inconvenience. The situation is really bad. There is also a true story of a woman who went to the hospital to visit a patient, and the ceiling in the elevator fell and scratched her chest. She was hospitalized as a result, to clean the wound. However, when she entered the ward, the ceiling of the ward fell again and hit her." Dr. McCaig questioned why the newly purchased elevators for CWM Hospital are still stuck in containers, why the projects that were announced with great fanfare lost momentum after a few years, and what measures need to be taken to solve administrative problems and retain qualified staff.

Dr. McCaig believes that the responsibility for all the problems should be attributed to those in charge, and pointed out that the Minister of Health should focus on policy decisions, rather than HIV or tuberculosis cases in prisons. "That's not his problem, his problem is policy decisions." His advice is: fire those who fail to complete their tasks.

With the 2026 election approaching, healthcare will undoubtedly be a top issue for voters and politicians. Dr. McCaig said he will not enter politics, but he believes politicians should listen to those who can provide solutions. "I think they (the previous government) all had the political will, but lacked the political skill. That's a big difference," he said. "They never asked. I have suggested to some of the current managers, who used to be my students."

Dr. McCaig also mentioned that he and three other retired doctors meet every Friday to discuss how to solve world problems. He suggested that the current Minister of Health form a think tank to listen to their advice, because they are fearless and dare to speak frankly. He pointed out that there are many senior people who have retired, such as former permanent secretaries, consultants, etc., who are willing to help and become mentors.

Before the last election, Dr. McCaig had the opportunity to talk to various political parties and did not hesitate to criticize them. "I have no personal interests, my financial situation is stable, and I have completed my mission. Yes, I have been involved in all these committees, and served as acting dean twice. I have been invited back to the medical school many times. But I am 72 years old and just want to enjoy life now."

He pointed out that posters for upgrading and renovation are still posted outside the obstetrics and gynecology ward, but in reality, there is no progress. "There is still a big hole in the back, and no one is trying to fix it. They haven't even fixed the corridor. You know, sometimes a woman in labor has to walk 100 meters along this road to have a cesarean section, and there is no bed to lie down on. She can only sit in a wheelchair and bump along this wooden corridor, which is terrible. At least try to solve some of these problems. We have received promises in the past, we have goals, but we have failed in infrastructure. Something must be done to fix these problems."

Minister of Health Dr. Antonio Lalabalavu acknowledged that there are shortcomings in addressing the problems plaguing the health sector. He said that the elevators for CWM Hospital have arrived in the country and are on site at CWM Hospital. "The work should start soon and will be done in phases," he said. Dr. Lalabalavu said the elevators will be installed in about two to three months because the contract has been awarded to the winning bidder.

"If there are delays, it may be because we need to address the issue of providing uninterrupted services within the hospital. This requires proper planning, and the planning has been completed. If there are delays, there may be good reasons. Nevertheless, the elevators have arrived and will be installed in phases. Once started, it should be completed within the first three months."

Regarding concerns about internal management within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lalabalavu said that there have always been concerns, and he recognizes that this is an obstacle, especially in terms of progress. However, he said that the first step is to recognize and accept this, and to study what measures can be taken to streamline processes in order to provide better healthcare in a timely manner, thereby achieving better results. "I personally keep in touch with some retired employees, especially those who have expertise in their fields of work."

"The government has a responsibility to adopt their ideas, and how we should improve the health system. But looking ahead, the key is evidence-based improvement and data. Therefore, we once again welcome their opinions, and we will take these opinions into consideration as we move forward."