FIJI could have more COVID-19 testing sites managed by the private sector.
This, after the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) invited private sector service providers to submit their interest in the establishment and management of COVID-19 testing facilities across the country.
In the expression of interest notice released by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Tourism, CRMT chairman Shiri Gounder, the Fijian Government was exploring options to transition from hotel to staying at home as an option for travellers, particularly those visiting friends and families and Fijian nationals and residents from travel partner countries.
“This will require a broad network of private partners who can provide rapid testing sites that can track those that need to be tested and facilitate timely reporting of all results and defaulters,” he said.
“Testing is a critical tool for both flattening the COVID-19 infection curve to prevent health services from being overwhelmed, as well as for enabling economies to safely reopen and, ultimately, to keep our visitors and Fijians safe.
“The key objective of this expression of interest (EOI) is for the Fijian Government to establish a network of COVID-19 testing facilities, including the private sector, to mobilise capacity and resources needed to meet the increase in demand for COVID19 testing.”
