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Acupuncture

As ancient as it is, acupuncture is relatively new to Fiji having been introduced in the early 90s. To date there are only four registered acupuncturists in Fiji - all located in the capital city of Suva and all practitioners are of Chinese ethnicity.

The Wakaya Club at the exclusive Wakaya Island Resort has its own registered acupuncturist as part of its therapy package for guests.

Chiropractor

There is a limited market in Fiji for chiropractic health care because many locals use traditional masseurs. At present there are only two registered chiropractors in Fiji, one of whom has since retired. Dr. Brad de Geus was a very successful chiropractor in California and retired to Fiji to run tours with Fiji Adventures. The second chiropractor is Dr. Shaun Beovich who is based in the West. He can be contacted at Shaun Beovich, PO Box 867, Sigatoka.

Condom Vending Machines

Making condom vending machines readily available is an ongoing project between the Fiji Government, Marie Stopes International and UNAIDS. At present vending machines can be found at the two tertiary institutions of the University of the South Pacific and the Fiji Institute of Technology. Otherwise condoms can be bought cheaply from pharmacies, chemists, some supermarkets and shops. Most family planning clinics and health centres give away free condoms.

Herbal Medicines

Traditional medicinal skills are practised by almost all ethnic groups in Fiji. Traditional medicinal practices of Fiji Indians are extensive. The skills have been passed on from the late 19th and early 20th century when Indians first arrived in Fiji. Various introduced and local plants and plant materials are used for herbal remedies. Fijians also have their own uses and cures for all manner of ailments using native flora and fauna. The use of medicinal plants dates to prehistoric times when ancient man found ingestion or application of certain herbs and barks was effective in treating some of the ailments that plagued him.

Hospitals

For routine medical problems, you can get adequate care in Fiji’s public hospitals but specialised treatments are limited. The two largest facilities are the Lautoka Hospital in the western city of Lautoka and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. The Suva Private Hospital is at the corner of Amy and Brewster Streets in Suva (Phone 679-3303404). It provides Western-style medical services and also maintains the Fiji Recompression Chamber for scuba divers.

Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. Serious medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Medical Clinics

Fiji is free of most tropical diseases. There is no malaria or yellow fever in the country. Government-owned hospitals are located at urban and rural centres throughout the country and private specialist medical consultation is also available (surgery hours are usually between 8.30am-5pm) in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa. An initial consultation fee costs around $20 Fijian. Patients who are not Fiji citizens are charged a minimal hospital fee - facilities are of reasonable standards. Health services within Fiji are limited though. If staying at a resort, the resort management should be the first point of contact.

Pharmacies

You'll find them in all the towns and they're generally well stocked. Most resorts have pharmaceutical items for sale but they will be expensive with a limited selection. When heading here from offshore, it’s best to pack a small kit containing bandaids, analgesics, Imodium or similar, insect repellent, sun screen (and after-sun lotion), antiseptic cream or powder and if travelling with babies, disposable nappies. For coral cuts, hydrogen peroxide works a treat but the locals opt for a generous application of lemon or lime.

Total Body Workout

In Fiji there's something energetic for everyone, whether you’re into volleyball on the beach, jet skiing on crystal clear waters, windsurfing in the air or simply jogging. If you're feeling energetic, most hotels and resorts provide full workout gyms.

In most urban centres there are workout gyms with instructors or trainees to assist you for a minimum fee. Tennis courts and golf clubs will charge a fee for use.

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