There is still no definite timeframe for the construction of a new Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), according to Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.
However, he said Government was continuing work on critical upgrades to the country’s largest hospital while plans for the new facility progressed.
“I can’t tell you the exact timeframe, it’s done in phases,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
He said immediate priorities centred on improvements identified under the Priority Infrastructure Plan (PIP).
“Right now we are trying to ensure that the CWM master plan, through the PIP, which is the Priority Infrastructure Plan, is currently on the way.”
The Health Minister said the upgrades would allow hospital services to continue while longer-term plans were being developed.
“That will allow some aspect of operations to continue within CWM, repairing the roof, wash capabilities, the fire safety standards within the hospital, and partly some of the improvements in the room.”
Dr Lalabalavu said these works remained a priority for the ministry.
“So that’s a priority as we speak, until the master plan is complete, and up until then we’ll see the timeline for the new hospital.”
The future of nearby health facilities, including the Valelevu Health Centre, is also yet to be determined.
Asked whether the health centre would close once the new hospital was completed, Dr Lalabalavu said the facility remained an important part of healthcare services in the Suva-Nausori corridor.
“I’ll have to go back and see in terms of the plan, but Valelevu Health Centre, as we speak, is still, for now, an important facility within the Suva-Nausori corridor.”
The CWM Hospital redevelopment project is expected to be one of the largest health infrastructure investments undertaken by Government.
