THE Ministry of Health has continued to progress the review and modernisation of health laws to protect public health, strengthen accountability, and respond to evolving national and global challenges.
Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament on Tuesday the ministry will continue to strengthen our health system through reforms that were people-centred, evidence-based, and fiscally responsible.
He said that during the December parliamentary sitting, important health legislation including the Burial and Cremation Act and the Quarantine Act were endorsed.
“The Mental Health Act has gone through public consultation stage, and we are awaiting feedback from the Solicitor-General Office,” he said.
The Nursing Act is expected to have its public consultation at the end of this month and will progress from there.
“These laws strengthen public health safeguards, environmental protection, and national health security, while aligning Fiji more closely with international standards and obligations.
“Further legislative reforms will continue during this parliamentary term to ensure that our health laws remain fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of our people.”
Ratu Atonio said it is not an easy task to review Bills and Acts — as they are archaic — let alone draft new ones and have them go through same process of public consultation, legal checks and cabinet endorsement.
He said the outcomes of a national dialogue held in November 2024 during the National Health Executive Committee Meeting will guide the development of the new Health Strategic Plan, with a strong focus on prevention, primary health care, efficiency and equity.
The minister added that the aim is to ensure reforms are sustainable, delivered meaningful improvements in health outcomes, and advanced Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
