Fiji can effectively address shortage of doctors if the ongoing discussions with Indian officials and professional health providers are successful.
New Delhi based Fijian High Commissioner Yogesh Karan said the diplomatic mission was also in talks with a number of hospitals in India to find a lasting solution to the problem.
“We have been meeting regularly with three hospitals to discuss the possibility of engaging Indian doctors to work in Fiji on volunteer basis. Talks have been very positive at the moment and we will be able to see if this good news turns into reality soon,” he said.
Mr Karan said possibilities of providing education and training for Fijian medical students in India were also been discussed with the concerned officials in Fiji and India.
“We have a few Memoranda of Understanding in the draft stages and are hoping to speed up the process,” he said.
Source: The Jet Newspaper, Suva
Our Staff Reporter adds:
On a related note, Auckland based ‘Friends of Fiji Health Foundation’ has been providing medical equipment and treatment to the needy in Fiji since its establishment about two years ago.
The Foundation organised the visit of a team of medical specialists, practitioners and volunteers to Fiji twice since 2010.
All members of the team work on voluntary basis, investing their time and expertise to serve the cause of the Foundation, which is to lift the standard of health among the poor in Fiji, conduct life-saving surgery and provide treatment to those diagnosed with ailments.
Foundation Chairman Dr Sunil Pillay said that Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases were among the two areas that need attention.
A World Health Organisation 2008 Survey had said that there was an immediate need for strengthening clinical services for surgery, medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, ENT, emergency medicine and other relevant support services.
