The development of Lautoka Hospital reflected the vision of early administrators who promoted racial integration through humanitarian service.
According to an article published in The Fiji Times on September 2, 1985, Health Minister Apenisa Kurisaqila made the remarks while addressing about 300 guests and hospital staff during celebrations marking the hospital’s 10th anniversary.
He said the growth of the hospital had been built on “love and understanding”.
“These are the formidable forces which know no bounds or barriers,” Dr Kurisaqila said.
“As Minister for Health and Social Welfare, I wish to pay tribute to the vision and wisdom of my predecessors through whose foresight and drive the people of the Western Division have enjoyed and are enjoying a satisfactory health service.”
Dr Kurisaqila said Lautoka Hospital may have had humble beginnings, but its objectives were noble.
He said the hospital was originally established to provide free medical treatment for the large Indian population living in the district at the time.
“It is sufficient to say here that it did not take the health administrators long to realise the need for extension to accommodate the health needs of Indians and Fijians in the area.”
Dr Kurisaqila described the Second World War as “a blessing in disguise” for the Western Division because it contributed significantly to the development of Lautoka Hospital.
He said the three years leading up to the end of the war marked one of the most important periods in the hospital’s history, with three major extension projects undertaken during that time.
Dr Kurisaqila said the hospital’s colourful history would never be forgotten because it represented health care, compassion and the dedication of many pioneers.
“The generosity of the British taxpayers, who were so conscious of the contributions made by Fiji and her people in times of war and peace, materialised into the construction of the new Lautoka Hospital.”
The new hospital was officially opened on August 30, 1975, by British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade Erick Deakins.
Dr Kurisaqila said he hoped hospital staff would continue dedicating themselves to caring for the sick and easing the suffering of patients.
