Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/27/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/26/2025 15:18
CLARIFICATION ON GP PPP PAYMENTS
1.) The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the Free Medical Scheme ('Scheme') was introduced as part of the Government's health and economic response strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative has since continued, and currently, 49 General Practitioners, Dental Practitioners, and Medical Laboratories, with 64 branches across the country are part of the scheme.
2.) As part of the PPP agreement signed between the Government and GPs, payment is made after an independent verification by a third party (FijiCare Insurance Limited) which verifies that payment claims are accurate and only for services rendered under the PPP scheme.
3.) The Ministry of Finance also monitors these payment claims to ensure there is no overcharging and abuse. While the scheme has worked well and most GPs get paid in a timely manner, the Ministry has also identified anomalies and overcharging by some of the GPs. In cases like this where GPs try and abuse the system, the payments are held back and only paid after the claims are reconciled.
4.) As part of the Ministry's process, it takes around 10 to 14 days to complete the verification and payment process when claims are free of discrepancies. However, when anomalies are detected, processing may take longer particularly when GPs do not respond promptly to clarification requests.
5.) This verification process is vital to safeguard public funds, uphold the integrity of the scheme and ensure that services provided to eligible patients are consistent with agreed terms and conditions.
6.) Payments have been released for the month of August and further disbursements are being expedited, including for September. The Ministry is also meeting with the service providers to highlight the terms of the agreement including the payment process and timelines.
7.) Government is concerned if any GP is turning away patients under the scheme. This is not acceptable and if this is happening the Ministry will take necessary action in line with the PPP agreement.
8.) Government remains committed to ensuring that all eligible Fijians continue to have access to quality and timely primary healthcare services through the PPP Free Medical Scheme. The Ministry also acknowledges and appreciates the continued partnership and cooperation of the participating practitioners in maintaining transparency and accountability with the scheme.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
27 OCTOBER 2025
2.) As part of the PPP agreement signed between the Government and GPs, payment is made after an independent verification by a third party (FijiCare Insurance Limited) which verifies that payment claims are accurate and only for services rendered under the PPP scheme.
3.) The Ministry of Finance also monitors these payment claims to ensure there is no overcharging and abuse. While the scheme has worked well and most GPs get paid in a timely manner, the Ministry has also identified anomalies and overcharging by some of the GPs. In cases like this where GPs try and abuse the system, the payments are held back and only paid after the claims are reconciled.
4.) As part of the Ministry's process, it takes around 10 to 14 days to complete the verification and payment process when claims are free of discrepancies. However, when anomalies are detected, processing may take longer particularly when GPs do not respond promptly to clarification requests.
5.) This verification process is vital to safeguard public funds, uphold the integrity of the scheme and ensure that services provided to eligible patients are consistent with agreed terms and conditions.
6.) Payments have been released for the month of August and further disbursements are being expedited, including for September. The Ministry is also meeting with the service providers to highlight the terms of the agreement including the payment process and timelines.
7.) Government is concerned if any GP is turning away patients under the scheme. This is not acceptable and if this is happening the Ministry will take necessary action in line with the PPP agreement.
8.) Government remains committed to ensuring that all eligible Fijians continue to have access to quality and timely primary healthcare services through the PPP Free Medical Scheme. The Ministry also acknowledges and appreciates the continued partnership and cooperation of the participating practitioners in maintaining transparency and accountability with the scheme.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
27 OCTOBER 2025
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