The $14.5million national repair program of Fiji’s health infrastructure will kick off with urgent upgrades pegged at around $6.7m.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Australian High Commission, launched the first phase of the project, which is part of a broader partnership that includes a master plan for a new national referral hospital.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts said the plan would combine global standards with Fiji’s cultural identity to meet future health needs.
He confirmed that the World Bank would fund the first stage of the transformation, including Fiji’s radiotherapy centre.
Current works include roofing repairs at CWM Hospital and St Giles Hospital, upgrades to acute patient wards, additional accessible bathrooms, new staff and multifunction rooms, and sewer remediation works in the maternity building.
A 200,000-litre water tank with filtration and pump systems will also support key services, including maternity, surgical, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.
“It will deliver a safer, more reliable facility for patients and staff,” said Mr Roberts.
“This is also an investment in local jobs, in local providers and local skills.”
Australia has also committed $7.4 million each year for five years to strengthen Fiji’s health systems, focusing on supply chain improvements, service delivery, and priority areas such as NCDs and sexual and reproductive health.
Mr Roberts also highlighted the importance of prevention programs and joint efforts on cancer care and HIV support.
“Infrastructure alone does not deliver healthy outcomes.”
He said the partnership was already making real progress in supporting and improving health outcomes.
