THERE is an urgent need for more skin specialists in Fiji.
This was revealed to this newspaper in an interview by the Ministry of Health deputy secretary for Hospital Services Doctor Metuisela Tuicakau.
Dr Tuicakau said the only specialised hospital treating patients who present themselves with skin diseases was the PJ Towmey Hospital in Tamavua.
"The hospital only had two doctors treating patients with skin diseases from all around the country," he said.
Dr Tuicakau said the ministry did not have many specialists left, however, efforts were being made to get more skin specialists to provide better services to the public.
"We are training some staff members to provide skin care treatments and we are getting two more skin doctors this year," he said.
Dr Tuicakau with the addition of the new skin doctors they are also intending to extend the opening days for out patients at the PJ Towmey Hospital.
"Currently we are only seeing patients in every Wednesday and Friday. We want to further increase this and see more patients," he said.
Dr Tuicakau said with the hospital being the only place for specialised skin treatment, a lot of people preferred to come for treatment at the hospital.
"This year we will focus on improving services and providing the best the people can get.
"We are training a lot of staff members so that they can also provide treatment to patients," he said.