HISTORY
The establishment and progression of this first independent professional association of the garduates of the Fiji School of Medicine is closely associated with the steady growth and development of training at the Fiji School of Medicine.
It was in 1951 that the titles"Native Medical Practitioner" and "Indian Medical Practitioner" were abolished and replaced by "Assistant Medical Practitioner".
It is interesting to note in the early minutes of what we could call the Steering Committee, that the initial plan was to include the graduates/diplomats of other courses; one pharmacy assistant was present on the 5th of April 1952.
When the Constitution was adopted and the Association formally constituted on the 6th of April 1953 however, membership was open to medical and dental graduates of the Fiji School of Medicine. Subsequent entries in the Minute Book record that only medical graduates attended meetings.
In 1956, the first group of students graduated from the upgraded 5 year course. It was at this time that the title of all present and past FSM graduates was amended to Assistant Medical Officer. Of greater significance was the garduation of four of the five women who had been the first female students accepted into the medical course in 1953. A "short general meeting" is referred to in the Annual Report for 1957, as being held in 1956 to change the name of the Association.
A Fiji branch of the British Medical Association existed in Fiji concurrently "from before World War II", but was not open to FSM graduates. Likewise, Ordinary Membership of the Association of Assistant Medical Officers (AAMPF) was restricted to FSM graduates, but other medical practitioners and non practitioners could become Honorary Members by invitation. Drs Lindasay Verrier and JM Cruikshank were given honourable mention for the assistance in the founding of the AAMPF, and the list of honorary members includes some well-renowned names. the Chairman of the Council was the effective leader, and the role of the Honorary President was more that of a Patron.
In 1964 Assistant MO's became "Medical Officers" and the Association became the Fiji Medical Officers Association.
Finally in 1967, the Fiji branch of the British Medical Association became independant of the BMA with goodwill on both sides and the Fiji Medical Association, formed to include all registered medical practitioners in Fiji finally took its present shape.
In the 1970"s and 80"s, FMA had reached its highest level of achievement in terms of membership, regular publication of its journal and involvement of all matters affecting the health of the nation.The optimism generated by the introduction of a full MBBS course at the Fiji School of Medcine (the first group entered in 1952, and graduated in 1987)
FMA entered two major initavies into the healthcare picture:
- THE FMA COMMUNITY AIDS EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Was planned from the late 80's and run throughout the 90's. Dr Salik Ram Govind, a leading FMA member led the association into recognition of the true potential of HIV/AIDS which enabled Fiji to stay ahead of the menace to a significant degree. This program is now coordinated by NACA and delievered through Government Departments and NGO's carries on this work. FMA is proud of taking the pioneer role.
- FIJI CANCER SOCIETY
Was formed as a result of the Annual Scientific Conference which was focusing on "Cancer Control in Developing Countries". The FCS spearheaded the provision of facilities for Pap Smear screening to all women of Fiji, through the nursing services. FCS continues as a body providing patient support, information and advocacy for cancer patients and those affected by cancer or at risk of cancer, or the fear of it.
The Annual Scientific Conference begun in 1957 with only two breaks in 1987 and 2000. We have through these kept windows open into the progress of medicne beyond our shores and kept ourselves alert to changes.
The ongoing priorities of the Fiji Medical Association are the needs of members and the community for their services. FMA is concerned with terms of service for those employed by public and private agencies.
The FMA continues to play its part in the current Job Evaluation Exercise within the Civil Service; will contribute to the National Economic Forum; through its representatives on the Fiji Medical Council will uphold standards of ethical conduct by its members.
