The Fijian Government's Free Medicine Programme Reform was officially launched by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) complex in Vatuwaqa this morning.
Initially introduced in 2015 as the Free Medicine Programme (FMP) the initiative was announced to ensure equity in terms of accessibility and availability of key medicines through the private and public sector pharmacies, for all who need medication for their medical conditions.
"One of the major changes in the reform is that the participating private pharmacies are using their own stock of medication in the FMP list, which are then re-stocked by FPBS," said the Minister.
"From the paper-based system, the operations are reforming to the digital platform and allows for a transparent & efficient method of transaction which leads to appropriate analysis of data as orders are processed through a real-time information system, with proper forecasting and quantifications of health commodities."
Minister Waqainabete added that the Ministry of Health & Medical Services had also altered the distribution method of medical supplies by dispatching directly to the doorstep of health facilities across the country, especially in remote areas.
"For example, Narokorokoyawa, Noboubuco & Nasoqo are remote facilities in the interior of Naitasiri, which the team at FPBS have reached and this exercise alone, came at a cost of $13,000."
"By reaching these hard to reach places or remote facilities we are ensuring universal health coverage for all Fijians," said Dr Waqainabete.
The Minister further stated that "Universal health coverage should be based on strong, people-centered primary health care supported by the ready accessibility to treatment modalities, including essential medicine and surgery."
"Good health systems are rooted in the communities they serve. They focus not only on preventing and treating disease and illness, but also on helping to improve well-being and quality of life."