“Is MIOT Pacific Medical only catering to one segment of society – the rich and the privileged.”
This was the question posed by human rights activist Shamima Ali to the Economy Minister Aiyaz-Sayed Khaiyum following the launch of the MIOT Pacific Medical last week.
She said it was good for Fiji as it would adopt the latest technologies in the healthcare system.
“However, what we want to know is whether this will be made available to every Fijian,” she said.
“In fact, the A-G should go one step further and ensure that the same advanced medical system is made available at all the major hospitals in the country — Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, Nadi, Lautoka and Labasa.
“This is a Government that says it will not leave any Fijian behind, but we have to ask, is MIOT Pacific Medical only catering to one segment of society — the rich and the privileged?
“What happens to the others without means, where do they go? Will they be able to access these types of services?
“The A-G is talking about a paperless system, is every Fijian tech savvy that they will be able to use it. How user-friendly will the system be?
“These are very pertinent questions because unlike the A-G, prime minister and government ministers — Fijians in the fringes of society, low income earners and those who are impoverished do not have the means to hop on a plane and go abroad for specialised medical treatment.”
She said if the Government was serious about leaving no Fijian behind, they needed to ensure that everyone was given the same opportunity to hop on a plane at whim and receive medical treatment abroad.
“They must ensure that every hospital in Fiji has the same equipment that MIOT Pacific Medical has, and that it is made accessible to every Fijian, not just those who can afford it.”
She demanded for equal and fair medical treatment for every Fijian.
“Words do not mean anything if the citizens of this country are not able to enjoy the rights enshrined.”
Questions sent to the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete in regards to the comments made by Ms Ali remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
