Fijians seeking Government support for overseas medical treatment must complete a detailed screening and financial assessment process before assistance is approved.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister for Health and Medical Services Atonio Lalabalavu said patients must first prove that the required treatment is unavailable in Fiji.

Applications must include a medical report prepared or endorsed by a specialist, outlining the patient’s medical history, diagnosis, recommended overseas treatment, expected outcome, and supporting test results such as scans, X-rays, and blood reports.

Applicants are also required to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether they can personally fund the treatment. Only individuals earning $30,000 or less annually are eligible to apply for assistance under the Overseas Medical Referral Programme.

Supporting financial documents, including payslips, bank statements, FNPF records, and insurance details, must be submitted together with the application.

In some cases, financial information from spouses or other supporters, as well as proof of loans and other commitments, may also be requested.

All applications are reviewed by the Overseas Referral Committee, which has the final authority to approve or reject requests based on established criteria.