It is encouraging news that site investigations have officially begun for Fiji’s planned National Referral Hospital. It marks an important step forward in efforts to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure.
We now know that technical teams are working at Valelevu Grounds and within the Colonial War Memorial Hospital precinct, carrying out essential geotechnical and topographical surveys this month. It is good to know that planning is moving beyond paper and into action.
According to the Ministry of Health, the investigations include drilling small-diameter boreholes, excavating test pits, and restoring all affected areas once work is completed. We know these are standard but vital processes.
We are told these activities are necessary to better understand site conditions and environmental factors, ensuring that future health facilities are designed safely and appropriately. In other words, getting the groundwork right now will determine the quality and resilience of what is eventually built.
The works form part of a broader master plan being delivered through a partnership between the governments of Fiji and Australia. This collaboration adds weight and credibility to what is clearly a significant national undertaking.
Progress so far has been notable. The Clinical Services Plan and the Hospital Redevelopment Options Analysis have already been completed, with seven potential sites assessed. In December 2025, Cabinet endorsed Valelevu Grounds as the preferred location to move into the next phase of development.
At the same time, the World Bank is supporting the development of a new radiotherapy centre at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital site, which will strengthen Fiji’s capacity to provide specialised care.
Officials have reassured the public that all works are temporary, carried out during normal hours, and will not disrupt traffic or essential services. Contractors, they say, are sticking to strict safety and environmental standards.
With all this in mind, it is perhaps timely to reflect on the state of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital itself.
Public commentary, especially online, has intensified, drawing attention to longstanding infrastructure challenges at CWMH. While some of this criticism may be harsh, it has helped shine a light on realities that cannot be ignored.
There is no denying the scale of work required to revitalise this aging facility so it can meet the needs of a growing population. At the same time, it is hard to shrug aside the feeling that more could have been done over the years to prevent the situation from reaching this point.
What we have today is a hospital that is more than a century old, still functioning under immense pressure. Addressing its issues is not as simple as closing its doors for repairs.
This is a fully operational hospital, with patients, staff, and critical services running daily. Any major upgrade will require careful planning, redirecting patient flows, maintaining essential services, and ensuring continuity of care across wards, from paediatrics to oncology, maternity, intensive care, and operating theatres.
That is a complex and demanding task that ideally should have been approached gradually over time.
Nevertheless, we say any serious effort to upgrade and modernise our health facilities must be welcomed. These developments show there is intent, progress, and hope.
In the end, investing in healthcare infrastructure is investing in our wellbeing!
