10/09/2026
๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐; ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐: ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ
Consumers are being urged to shop around and compare prices when purchasing prescription medicines, following a complaint that revealed significant price differences for the same medication across pharmacies in Suva.
The case involved a consumer who visited the pharmacy of a prominent private hospital in Suva and was quoted approximately $820 for a three-month supply of her regular medications. After deciding to shop around, she purchased the same medications elsewhere for approximately $361, a saving of around $459.
One medication in particular was quoted at more than $120 by the private hospitalโs pharmacy, however, when the Council conducted its own price checks at three other pharmacies in Suva, it found the same medication at the same dosage selling for between $16 and $20, highlighting why consumers should compare prices rather than assume they must purchase medicines from a pharmacy associated with or recommended by their healthcare provider.
While prices can vary between generic and branded medicines, in this instance, our checks show that even the branded medication at the same dosage did not carry a comparable price, with alternatives available at significantly lower prices.
Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive Officer Seema Shandil said consumers should shop around and compare medicine prices, while pharmacies must also ensure their pricing is fair and ethical. โConsumers should compare prices, particularly for regular medications, but pharmacies also have a responsibility to act ethically and with empathy. A reasonable premium may be expected at a private hospital, but charging more than $120 for medication available elsewhere for $16 to $20 is simply baffling,โ Ms Shandil said.
โMedicines are not ordinary discretionary purchases. People buy them because they need them for their health and wellbeing. Pharmacies, particularly those attached to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, should recognise that position of trust and deal with consumers ethically and with empathy.โ
Ms Shandil also added, โConsumers should follow their doctorโs medical advice, but that does not mean they have to buy their medicines from a particular pharmacy. Ask about prices, shop around and make an informed choice, it could result in significant savings.โ
The Council has also sought information from the private hospital concerned regarding the factors contributing to the retail prices of the medications in this case.
At the same time, the Council is calling on pharmacies and healthcare providers to ensure that their pricing practices reflect the trust consumers place in them, particularly when dealing with essential medicines. Consumers should be clearly informed of their options and, where appropriate, given a choice between branded and generic medicines, so they are not unnecessarily burdened with significantly higher costs.
