Ministry of Health and Medical Services has launched its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, outlining priorities to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs), strengthen workforce retention and improve health infrastructure nationwide.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the plan, developed over about two years, would guide the ministry’s work for the next five years.
“The strategic part is done now in terms of the formulation of the plan and it’s about ensuring that the ministry implements the plan so it can achieve the outcome it wants to achieve up to 2031,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
He said the plan included monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure targets were met.
“As we move along in terms of the plan, we know where we are, what things we have done, and the outcomes.”
He said key priorities identified during the development process included NCDs, climate change and its impact on health, resilient infrastructure and workforce retention.
Dr Lalabalavu said the strategy also focused on strengthening the health workforce through training, upskilling and improved staff distribution to meet system needs.
“It’s not just the numbers, but also enhancing the health workforce quality, the skills, and employment alignment to the system’s need.”
He said digital health was another major component of the plan, with expansion of telehealth services and improved connectivity across facilities to reduce geographic barriers to care.
Dr Lalabalavu said funding for the initiatives would come through annual ministry budget submissions, as well as development partner support, including the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Program.
He said the strategic plan was not a costed document, but would guide future budgeting and decision-making to strengthen the health system over time.
