Hospitals across Fiji are providing crucial care every day, supported by the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. This initiative aims to enhance Fiji’s health infrastructure, ensuring that medical services remain safe, reliable, and accessible for the present and future.
One of the key projects underway is the planning for a new national referral hospital. This initiative involves Australia collaborating with the Fiji Government on a comprehensive Master Plan that outlines a 30-year vision for health services. The plan not only encompasses a blueprint for clinical services but also evaluates workforce requirements and infrastructure needs to meet future healthcare demands. Australia has committed around FJD 14.7 million to bring this Master Plan to fruition by 2027.
In the meantime, while the new national hospital is being designed, Australia is assisting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services with urgent upgrades to the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. These enhancements aim to improve safety and ensure the hospital operates effectively day-to-day. Noteworthy upgrades include repairing roofs across multiple buildings to mitigate leaks and water damage, enhancing the Acute Patient Ward with additional bathrooms and improved accessibility, and installing a new water tank to stabilize supply.
Australia’s support extends beyond the CWM Hospital, also enhancing healthcare access across other regions in Fiji. At Labasa Divisional Hospital, a new containerized medical waste incinerator has been introduced to replace hazardous disposal methods, thereby boosting infection prevention and control for patients and healthcare workers alike.
Additionally, significant refurbishments are taking place at Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu. Renovations involve upgrades to wards and staff facilities, improved maternity and pharmacy services, and the establishment of a dedicated birthing unit and a room for gender-based violence care. These improvements cater to around 11,000 individuals, reducing their need to travel to Suva for medical services while also fortifying the hospital’s resilience to extreme weather.
At Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni, safety and functionality are being enhanced through refurbishments of wards and emergency areas, alongside the installation of a cyclone-rated roof. This initiative will ensure access to essential healthcare services for approximately 17,000 residents across Taveuni and nearby islands.
The collaboration between Australia and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji not only focuses on immediate healthcare improvements but also reinforces local capabilities by engaging Fijian contractors and suppliers. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to developing a robust and resilient health system that continues to provide quality care now and into the future.
The ongoing efforts under the Vuvale Partnership reflect a proactive approach to healthcare, ensuring that hospitals remain operational, access to care is improved, and the overall health framework in Fiji is fortified for years to come.