Fiji considers setting up local IV fluid manufacturing plants

SUVA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Fijian government is exploring opportunities to establish IV fluid manufacturing plants locally, aiming to secure a stable supply amid ongoing global shortages.

The Health Ministry said tax incentives are available for pharmaceutical companies, particularly those specializing in IV fluid production, to set up operations in Fiji, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday.

Health Atonio Lalabalavu said they have held discussions with two potential investors, including a local entity.

He also revealed that further talks were initiated during a recent visit to India, where the government engaged with a major pharmaceutical company to consider establishing a plant in Fiji, not only to serve the local market but also the Pacific region.

According to the minister, due to supply constraints, the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) has quantified the need for 350,000 bottles of IV fluids for the current financial year.

Currently, Fiji does not manufacture its own medicines and relies entirely on imports, Lalabalavu said, adding that medicines are considered at a critical stock level when availability drops to three months' supply.

Therefore, to improve supply, the FPBS has sourced IV fluids from other manufacturers in the international markets, with a consignment of approximately 100,000 expected to be in this week.

These stocks should be sufficient for the next five to six months, the minister said. Enditem