The Sai Prema Foundation Fiji will receive a $4 million grant to cater for operational costs as per the 2023-2024 National Budget.
Last week, a question on the grant allocation was raised by Opposition member of Parliament Jone Usamate during the Committee of Supply meeting in Parliament.
“I’m aware that the agreement between Sai Prema and the Ministry of Health was that land would be provided and the ministry would provide some of the staff,” he said.
“This is a new grant. Is this a change in the relationship between Sai Prema, the Fiji Government and Ministry of Health?”
MP Faiyaz Koya also urged the Government to consider providing staff to the institution as it was doing a lot of good for the children of the country.
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said this was a new grant brought about through their submission.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the relationship had not changed.
“The understanding is still there, like any grant funding, there’ll be a grant agreement,” he said.
“There will be a proper process of how the funds will be utilised through appropriate accountability mechanisms, and the issue is because of the shortage of health personnel, nurses and others, we didn’t want to make the commitment that we will provide additional staff and all that.
“We are going to provide the funding. They are doing a good job looking after the kids and that’s what we want.”
He said the Health Ministry would help in any institutional area that was needed.
