HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHES ‘ADDRESSING HEALTH WORKFORCE CRISIS IN THE PACIFIC’ REPORT

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Minister, Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai yesterday Launched the Health Report title “Addressing the health workforce crisis in the Pacific – The challenges of health worker migration and need for cooperation for quality public health systems across Oceania,” at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel.

The report was compiled by the Public Services International (PSI) following a series of four workshops held across the Melanesians region – in Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

The launch was witnessed by; the Secretary to Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, PSI Sub-Regional Secretary, SIPEU President, SICTU President, Australia, Center for Future Work Director, Regional Health Workers Representatives and members of the trade union movement.

“The launch of this report comes at a very timely moment for our health sector, particularly as we continue to experience the outflow of skilled health professionals from our Pacific Island countries to overseas destinations”, said Dr. Bosawai.

He stated the workshops conducted in these four Melanesian countries have addressed several important issues, and the resulting report provides valuable insights to guide our respective governments and unions in developing comprehensive strategies to manage labour migration in the health sector. It highlights the need for careful assessment and coordinated action to address the challenges that this phenomenon presents.

“As the report outlines, health unions and stakeholders across the Pacific have expressed growing concern that the increasing migration of health workers to Australia and New Zealand is depleting our already limited human resources for health. This trend poses a threat to the sustainability and resilience of our national health systems, which are already under significant pressure.

“Health unions remain essential partners in efforts to strengthen our health systems. Through mechanisms such as social dialogue, collective bargaining, and advocacy, unions contribute meaningfully to improving working conditions, promoting public investment, and ensuring that staffing levels meet the needs of our people.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we must ask ourselves: What are the real challenges facing our healthcare sector? Are we losing skilled workers at a faster rate than we can train and recruit new ones? Are our health service systems equipped to meet the growing demands of our populations? These are the critical questions that the PSI Health Report 2025 helps us to reflect upon”, said Dr. Bosawai.

He further stated the report will stimulate important discussions and policy responses across the Pacific. “If we fail to act early, we risk losing even more of our skilled health professionals to external labour markets, therefore depriving the health needs and demand of our people.

“My Ministry is acutely aware of the impacts of labour migration on our hospitals and health facilities. We are committed to working closely with our national and regional partners—including trade unions, training institutions, and development partners—to ensure that we maintain adequate staffing levels and sustain quality health services for our people.

“We also recognise the need for appropriate mechanisms and policies to manage labour migration responsibly, while safeguarding the welfare, rights, and professional development of our health workers”, said Dr. Boswai.

Meanwhile, Australia, Center for Future Work Director Dr. Fiona McDonald at the launch presented some of the important key findings in the report. While the Health workers representatives also shared their experiences and shared their thoughts to the ‘Health Report’.

MHMS Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Bosawai sharing his remarks and launches the report.

Australia, Center for Future Work Director, Dr. Fiona McDonald sharing the report findings.

In photo: Health Minister Dr. Bosawai and Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Mataki looking at the launch report program

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