Fiji Has 69 Vacant Senior Medical Positions

Fiji’s public health system currently has 69 vacant senior medical positions, with the Ministry of Health relying on acting appointments to cover most of the vacancies.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu revealed the figures in Parliament while responding to Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma.

He said there are 290 established senior medical positions across public hospitals and health facilities, with 221 filled and 69 vacant. Of the vacant positions, 56 are currently covered by acting appointments.

The vacancies include positions for senior medical officers, principal medical officers, chief medical officers, consultants, divisional medical officers and medical superintendents.

Dr Lalabalavu also confirmed that Fiji is considering recruiting medical professionals from the Philippines, with discussions continuing following the Assistant Minister for Health’s recent visit to Manila.

The Ministry is also facing shortages in areas including pharmacy and medical imaging, and is working to recruit and retain staff through incentives and other measures.

The Minister said increasing scholarships could help address future shortages, but noted that locally trained health professionals are also attractive to overseas employers, particularly in New Zealand and Australia.