The President of the Fiji College of General Practitioners has raised serious concern that fund raising for overseas medical treatment is getting far too common and it should be seriously considered by people now.

Doctor Ram Raju said he just came across a case where a student of Tavua who had a rare jaw tumor needed to raise $70,000 for overseas treatment however the treatment of this condition is available at CWM Hospital.

He said in another case a family of a child was shown by the national TV appealing for funds for a kidney transplant for the child.

However Dr Raju said the child's father went to him with the child's report which shows that the child needs specialist surgeons to operate on him as he is admitted at CWM and does not need a kidney transplant.

Dr. Raju said he had asked the child's father to give him more details so that he can approach the Rotary Oceania Medical Assistance to Children, to help.

He said the media should be more responsible and ethical in doing such stories and the Divisional Commissioners and District Officers should exercise care and restraint before issuing the permits for public appeal for funds.

He said the Health Ministry's clearance should be sought before permits are granted. He said accountability and transparency of funds collected should be made public.