Brain drain hitting Fiji's medical laboratories

Fiji's medical laboratory sector is grappling with a severe "brain drain" as skilled scientists increasingly seek better opportunities abroad. Keshvi Sukul, President of the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science, highlighted this ongoing migration as one of the sector's most pressing issues during the institute's annual seminar.

"We have a huge migration rate of qualified and experienced scientists that move over. We are trying to retain them as much as possible," Sukul stated. The institute is actively working to counteract this trend by providing platforms like the seminar, which aims to connect professionals with international expertise and emerging technologies. The goal is to demonstrate that such advancements are accessible within Fiji, thereby encouraging scientists to remain in the country.

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We have a huge migration rate of qualified and experienced scientists that move over. We are trying to retain them as much as possible.

Sukul emphasized that fostering a more conducive working environment is paramount to tackling workforce shortages. This includes improving conditions and opportunities to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality diagnostic services across the nation. The migration of these essential professionals poses a significant threat to the stability and effectiveness of healthcare services in Fiji.

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I think to have platforms like this, where they can see that these things can be available at home too, we are really trying to combat the problem that we are facing with our scientists leaving the country.