There’s still a lot of stuff the Government needs to do to improve the health services of this country, says Minister of Finance Prof Biman Prasad.

This is despite the significant increase of $58.7 million of the Ministry of Health and Service’s budget in the 2023 to 2024 financial year. In the next three years, the Government, Prof Prasad said, was committed to leaving a health system that the people would be happy with.

“We have a budget allocated of about $453.8m in this financial year because we recognise our health facilities and services need major improvement,” he said.

“Many of you will understand why the Coalition Government increased the budget.”

He said the increase in the Ministry of Health and Services budget was because health facilities and services needed major improvements.

“Over $63m is allocated in the budget for public health programs and procurement of emergency, radiology, laboratory drugs or medicines.

“And $16.4m for the upgrade of the maintenance hospital, health centres, institutional health quarters, and permanent walkway for the maternity ward at Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

“The reason why I wanted to highlight this is to show our Government’s commitment to improving our health services.”

He officiated at the Sangam School of Nursing and Health Care Foundation graduation at Civic Centre in Labasa yesterday.