A NATIONWIDE survey conducted by Dialogue Fiji has outlined sweeping budget recommendations centred on health, cost of living and crime prevention, reflecting the priorities of ordinary Fijians ahead of the 2026–2027 national budget.
“The survey identifies health as a top budget priority for Fijian citizens,” the report stated.
“The qualitative evidence suggests the concern is not merely about budget quantum, but about the quality, accessibility, and reliability of health services.”
Among key recommendations was increasing health sector allocation to at least 15 per cent of total expenditure and prioritising upgrades to major facilities.
“Prioritise the refurbishment and re-equipment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, which featured prominently in qualitative responses as an under-resourced flagship facility.”
The report also highlighted the financial strain on households.
“While “cost of living’ is not a conventional budget category, the survey evidence is unambiguous that Fijian households are in acute financial distress and are looking to the budget for relief.”
On crime and drugs, the findings called for a broader approach beyond policing.
“The survey evidence strongly suggests that crime and drug prevention is perceived as a systemic social problem requiring both enforcement and social investment, not merely policing.” Infrastructure gaps were also flagged.
“Poor road conditions are the second most widely experienced household problem in the past twelve months (38.4 per cent) and are a top priority in the Western and Northern divisions.”
The report said the recommendations were grounded in citizen priorities, aimed at improving service delivery, economic resilience and overall quality of life.
