Fiji’s public spending on health was 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2011, equivalent to US$168 per capita. In the most recent survey, conducted between 1997 and 2010, there were 43 doctors, and 224 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Additionally, in the period 2007-12, 100 per cent of births were attended by qualified health staff and in 2012, 99 per cent of one year olds were immunised with one dose of measles. In 2011, 96 per cent the population had access to an improved water source and 87 per cent were using improved sanitation facilities. The most recent survey, conducted in the period 2000-11, reported that Fiji has nine pharmaceutical personnel per 100,000 people.
The Fijian Government provides free health care to all citizens through its two national hospitals, approximately 20 regional hospitals and 200 smaller health care facilities (2009). There is also one privately run hospital in Suva. Fiji has one pharmaceutical manufacturer, which runs a research and development facility for anticancer, steroid and retinoid medicines in the city of Nadi. All other medicines are imported and sold via one of Fiji’s pharmaceutical wholesalers. Prior to the establishment of the Fiji Intellectual Property Office in 2011, there was a lack of legislation protecting intellectual property rights in the country. Until recently, pharmaceutical firms were disinclined to operate in the country as their patents would not be adequately protected.
The most recent act relating to mental health in Fiji is the Mental Treatment Act (1978). There are 0.1 mental health outpatient facilities and 0.1 psychiatric beds in general hospitals per 100,000 people (2011).
