Ra Maternity Hospital celebrated its 55th anniversary last week, with calls for renewed commitment to strengthening maternal healthcare services in the Ra province.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Colleen Wilson reflected on the hospital’s founding purpose—to support women from pregnancy to childbirth, and to continue caring for mothers and children through early childhood.
Wilson challenged church leaders, health officials and the Ra community to consider the future of the facility.
She questioned whether the hospital would continue operating as a small unit or pursue expansion to meet growing needs, noting the long distances between health centres in the region.
“We have reached 55 years of service in maternity healthcare—but will we still continue to operate as a small unit, or is there any plan to expand into a big unit?” she asked.
Wilson highlighted Fiji’s ongoing health challenges and urged collective planning between the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji, the people of Ra, and the Ministry of Health to develop a larger and more adequately staffed facility.
She emphasised the hospital’s important role in serving women across Saivou, Nalawa, Nakorotubu and even beyond the province, noting the many children born at Ra Maternity Hospital over the decades.
“We are blessed to have been part of this institution,” she said.
“Those of us who have lived and served here can proudly say we are a product of this hospital.”
