Fiji pharmacist shortage claims questioned amid calls for better local conditions

Fiji's public sector faces a critical question regarding its pharmacists: is there a genuine shortage, or is the issue one of retention? While the Health Ministry points to a high vacancy rate, local professionals argue that inadequate pay and poor working conditions are the primary drivers pushing pharmacists away from public health facilities.

“

When people say shortage of pharmacists, it really bothers me. I think if government were to look at where the priority is and where equity in access to health care should lie, then the public sector is a good area to first focus on.

Pharmacist Joshila Lal challenges the notion of a shortage, noting that Fiji produces a significant number of pharmacy graduates annually. She contends that the focus should be on improving the conditions for local professionals rather than immediately resorting to hiring from overseas. "When people say shortage of pharmacists, it really bothers me," Lal stated, advocating for a "protectionist approach" that prioritizes local talent.

Pharmacy students echo these concerns, reporting that existing conditions already affect daily operations. "It’s not a pharmacist issue. It’s not an issue with the students. It’s an issue with the conditions that we are working in," one student remarked. Submissions to the Pharmacy Act review are calling for minimum pay standards and capped working hours, highlighting the risks fatigue poses to patient safety.

“

It’s not a pharmacist issue. It’s not an issue with the students. It’s an issue with the conditions that we are working in.

The ongoing review is thus at a crossroads, prompting a re-evaluation of the Ministry's claims and a deeper look into what is truly needed to ensure adequate pharmaceutical services in Fiji's public sector.

“

in terms of just accepting foreign pharmacists, we need to have a protectionist approach where we need to go local first and not just go with the propaganda that there is a shortage of pharmacists.