MEDICAL laboratory scientists have converged in Fiji for a three-day conference aimed at modernising diagnostics and retaining skilled professionals in the face of a critical brain drain affecting the Pacific region.
The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (FIMLS) is hosting its annual event with the theme “Partnerships in the Pacific,” drawing speakers and delegates from Australia, New Zealand, and across the Pacific islands.
Keshvi Sukul, President of FIMLS, said the profession once hidden from public view had been thrust into the spotlight by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are here to celebrate the profession, celebrate diagnostics, innovation, and learning,” she said.
This year is the first time that FIMLS will work with the Australian Institute of Medical Laboratory Science’s Tropical Division, alongside continued support from Fiji National University and the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science.
The institute has also applied for membership with the International Federation of Medical Laboratory Science—a move Sukul said would bring formal global recognition.
“We are getting global recognition,” she said. “It’s our time to shine and bring out to the world what it is that we actually do behind the scenes.”
A real concern, though, is the exodus of experienced scientists seeking better opportunities abroad. Sukul said laboratories operate around the clock under challenging conditions, including during cyclones, and that staff retention has always been a significant hurdle.
“We have a huge migration rate of qualified and experienced scientists that move overseas. We are trying to retain them as much as possible,” Sukul said.
“To have platforms like this where they can see that these things can be available at home, we are really trying to combat the problem.”
She acknowledged that factors such as overtime pay and working conditions influence decisions to leave, calling on the Ministry of Health to work together with FIMLS and find solutions.
The conference features scientific presentations from professors at James Cook University and Queensland Pathology, covering emerging technologies and quality assurance. Despite growing concerns about artificial intelligence replacing laboratory roles, Sukul dismissed the notion.
“You can never replace the expertise, the human touch that we put to diagnosis and the length that we go to support our doctors and clinicians,” she said.
Organisers hope participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the Pacific Laboratory Network and how to work together and support each other in overcoming resource shortages. Sponsors have also funded webinars and talks to ensure learning reaches the widest possible audience.
“The main takeaways from this event is to actually understand how the Pacific Laboratory Network works, how our external quality partners ensure that quality results are put out,” Sukul said.
She added that every hospital patient depends on laboratory results for timely diagnosis and treatment. “For every patient that is admitted to the hospital, the doctor can’t do anything without laboratory results.”
The event runs for three days and it is hoped that it will become an annual milestone for strengthening diagnostic capacity across the Pacific.
