Fiji retains doctors with high pay, but nurses continue to migrate

Fiji is succeeding in retaining its doctors, largely thanks to competitive salaries that have significantly curbed overseas migration, according to former Fiji Medical Association President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea. He noted that a 2016 pay increase was crucial, leading most doctors to stay in the country or move into local private practice instead of seeking work abroad. These improved financial incentives have also boosted expectations for new medical graduates.

However, the situation for nurses presents a stark contrast. Dr. Vakamocea explained that nurses are highly sought after internationally, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, and Fiji is expected to continue losing them. Unlike doctors, nurses did not receive substantial pay raises, only minor incremental adjustments. This disparity makes retaining them a persistent challenge for the health system.

Despite training institutions producing new nursing graduates each year, the health sector experiences a net loss of experienced professionals. This ongoing exodus of skilled nurses places severe pressure on service delivery, highlighting a critical staffing issue within Fiji's healthcare system.

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They are very highly sought after, and that’s why Fiji is going to continue to lose nurses abroad to countries like Australia and New Zealand.