Last Updated on 2 months by Publishing Team
Bula and welcome to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Website
The Health Ministry is responsible for the provision of medical services to the entire population of Fiji which now stands at 884,887 according to the 2017 National Population Census. In addition to this, similar services are also provided to the expatriates visiting or living in our country.
The Ministry’s Headquarters is situated at 88 Amy Street, Toorak, Suva with three divisional offices:
Northern Health Services – Ro Qomate house, Hospital Road, Labasa.
Western Health Services – Vidilo House, Lautoka.
Central Eastern Health Services – Tamavua, Suva.
The Ministry is responsible for providing a wide range of equitable, efficient, affordable, and vibrant Health services through our health facilities in all the medical sub-divisions of Fiji.
Together with this, our mobile medical outreach teams also take various health services to remote, rural, and maritime locations. We envision making health services available to all the people of Fiji and leaving no one behind as we strive to uphold the United Nations’ vision of Universal Health Coverage.
Through this website, we aspire to bridge the information gap and strengthen our service deliveries between the Ministry and its stakeholders and lessees that we serve.
COVID-19 Important Guidelines
TOURISM ADVISORY
30 March 2022: As a nation with over 90 percent adult population vaccinated with access to boosters, and low test positivity rates, Fiji is now taking the next step in its economic recovery.
FOR VISITORS
In accordance with the 2021-2022 Special Revised Budget, Effective 7 April 2022, fully-vaccinated visitors with a negative COVID-19 test entering Fiji, will no longer be required to book a minimum 3-night stay at a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) Certified hotel.
Instead, they only require a pre-paid Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), to be administered within 48 to 72 hours of arrival into Fiji, proof of vaccination and either a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 2 calendar days prior to the scheduled day of departure OR RAT taken no more than 24 hours prior.
In terms of Insurance, visitors with existing insurance must present evidence of the cover not excluding COVID-19. All foreign passport holders (except valid permit holders who provide a supporting letter from a sponsor/employer to meet all COVID-related costs, including isolation if required) must have medical travel insurance, with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before traveling. Travelers may opt for FijiCare COVID-19 travel insurance.
With over 70 countries declared Travel Partners as of 18 March 2022 – Fiji will now remove its Travel Partner classification – and is open to anyone who meets the entry requirements.
Public Advisory
Influenza and Acute Respiratory Illness
As indicated by the graph below, our surveillance systems show that the resurgence in influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness continues. There are reports suggesting an increase in absenteeism rates in schools and workplaces.
Earlier this year, we had an outbreak of a type of Influenza type A virus scientifically labeled as FluA/H1 Pdm. This outbreak had receded however, we now have indications of another outbreak of Flu-like illness. Essentially, we are observing a “double peak trend” (bi-phasic) of Influenza-like illness (ILI) case reports over the last several months since December 2022. As observed from past years’ trends, Fiji’s influenza season usually runs from January to May-June annually.
The Fiji CDC confirms that Influenza B/Victoria is now the predominant influenza strain in circulation, and likely the cause of this ‘second’ surge of ILI cases being reported and observed locally. It must be noted that this increased presence of influenza B in circulation is similarly being observed in other countries of the region and the world.
We have Tamiflu (antiviral medications) stock which is being distributed and we are getting more Flu vaccines which will be offered to those vulnerable to the severe effects of Influenza (individuals with chronic illness, pregnant women, and to frontline staff. Surveillance has also been escalated and we await more recent reports to determine ongoing trends. Whilst we still have stocks of flu testing reagents and consumables, we are also working with WHO to increase our stocks.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises members of the public to stay at home when feeling unwell or wear face coverings (masks) when going outside in order to minimize the spread of infection.
We also advise that people living with chronic disease and children, especially babies, need to be protected from the severe effects of influenza. This entails preventing infection by proper masking in crowded and/or poorly ventilated spaces, early recognition of the symptoms, and seeing a doctor early. It is essential that these vulnerable persons are carefully monitored to ensure early access to intervention if severe symptoms develop.
Preventative measures will be familiar as they are similar to COVID-19. Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when in a public place, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid crowds, stay home if you are sick, and cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
Seek medical care: For adults, see a Doctor if the following danger symptoms develop; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or heaviness in the chest, persistent fever ( more than 3 days, despite home treatment), very high temperature (over 40°C), feeling sicker as time goes by, confusion and persistent drowsiness, severe headache that doesn’t respond to painkillers and unusual symptoms such as hallucinations, severe vomiting, neck stiffness, skin rash, rapid heart rate, chills, uncontrollable shivering, or muscle spasms.
For children, seek medical care right away if your child:
- has a fever greater than 38°C for more than two days, or a fever of 40°C or higher for any amount of time
- has a fever of 38°C or higher and is under 3 months old
- has a fever that doesn’t get better after taking Panadol
- seems unusually drowsy or lethargic
- won’t eat or drink
- is wheezing or is short of breath
