THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services is finally involved in the concession agreement (CA) amendment discussions between Government and Health Care Fiji (Pte) Ltd.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said for many years the ministry was left out of the negotiations.
“For the first time the Ministry of Health is involved in the actual drawing up of the new agreement and we are very thankful for that,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“As a very important stakeholder in this PPP, (public private partnership), the last time around we were not involved.
“So for this round of discussions, the ministry is involved and is actively giving their part of the submissions in terms of how the new agreement will look like.”
Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry would only be able to reveal more details once the agreement was finalised.
“In terms of the services, it will have to come in after the full agreement between the relevant parties are known.
“But rest assured this time around the ministry is involved.
“The late PS Dr (Jemesa) Tudravu was an active member of the committee, and they are still continuing that work.
“For us it is to ensure that the interest of the Ministry of Health is looked after because of the interest of service delivery to our people.”
Aspen Medical Fiji CEO Gavin Whiteside has confirmed that a second round of discussions between government, HCF and Aspen Medical on the CA would be held this week.
