Refugee pharmacist calls for clear registration pathway

A refugee pharmacist in Fiji is calling for amendments to the country's pharmacy laws, specifically requesting a clear registration pathway for refugees possessing overseas qualifications. The pharmacist, who has attained refugee status and is currently pursuing studies locally, highlighted the uncertainty faced by refugees due to the absence of explicit legal provisions for registering their qualifications.

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he wants the law to outline the steps refugees must take to have qualifications assessed and, if required, complete further training and sit the registration examination.

During public consultations for the review of the Pharmacy Act and registration regulations, the pharmacist emphasized that the proposal does not seek to circumvent standard registration requirements such as examinations or internships. Instead, the objective is to establish a defined legal process that outlines the steps refugees must follow to have their qualifications assessed, and if necessary, to complete further training and pass the registration examination.

The pharmacist pointed out that refugees often arrive in a new country without the financial resources or support networks typically available to planned migrants. Given Fiji's status as a signatory to international refugee conventions and the potential for increased refugee arrivals due to ongoing global conflicts, the pharmacist believes a clear pathway is essential.

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refugees differ from other overseas professionals because they often arrive without the financial resources or support available to planned migrants.

Implementing such a system would not only provide crucial support to refugees but also enable Fiji to retain valuable skilled professionals within its borders. The committee overseeing the review has acknowledged the issue and stated it will be considered within the broader examination of pharmacist registration processes for all overseas-qualified professionals. The matter will also be referred to the legal team for the development of clearer registration protocols and pathways.

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a clear pathway would support refugees while helping Fiji retain skilled professionals.