The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has condemned the decision to discontinue outpatient pharmacy services at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka and Ba hospitals, calling it a “shocking move” that threatens the health of vulnerable Fijians.

In a strongly worded statement released today, FMA President Dr Alipate Vakamocea said the Association is “appalled” by the Ministry of Health’s directive, warning that it undermines the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare.

“The increase to $117m allocation to ASPEN suggests an intent to expand services, yet the circular effectively reduces direct access to medicines at key hospitals. This raises urgent questions: Why are funds not translating to enhanced on-site care?,” he said.

“Where is the financial investment being directed if not to maintain core services?”

Dr Vakamocea said rural and elderly patients will disproportionately suffer, potentially abandoning essential medications due to logistical barriers.

“The listed pharmacies under the Free Medicine Program (FMP) cannot realistically meet the surge in
demand.”

“These pharmacies primarily serve local communities, not hospital-scale patient volumes.”

The FMA has called for the immediate reversal of the decision and halt any directive to reduce services until a proper phased roll out has been planned with specific needs addressed.

“No policy should ever put the lives of Fijians at risk. Redirecting vulnerable patients to fragmented, underresourced outlets during a budget increase is indefensible.”

The FMA urges the government of Fiji to step in and to halt implementation of this directive immediately and consult frontline health workers to design a sustainable solution.