Fiji’s Ministry of Health recently wrapped up a three-day transformation summit aimed at finalizing a strategic healthcare plan for the years 2026 to 2031. This plan, developed through extensive research and collaboration with various stakeholders, is designed to address persistent issues within the healthcare system, particularly surrounding workforce challenges and budget management, even in light of increased funding over the last 16 years.
The summit saw participation from over 200 individuals, including representatives from educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and key donor partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, alongside officials from the governments of India and China. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, stressed the significance of this collaborative effort, which he believes will ensure broader ownership of the plan and improve financial management amidst budget constraints.
The finalized strategic plan is set to be presented to the Cabinet for approval, marking a crucial move towards its formal implementation. Dr. Lalabalavu identified key challenges facing the healthcare workforce, notably the loss of staff to opportunities abroad, which complicates program delivery. He cited inadequate housing and unreliable infrastructure as major obstacles to retention, while tempting offers from international employers make it difficult to keep local talent.
To combat these issues, the strategic plan includes initiatives aimed at improving workplace environments to encourage staff retention, with help from NGOs and development partners to bridge capacity gaps. Additionally, the Ministry is taking steps to enhance communication about the strategic plan to ensure that health centers and nursing stations are well informed and engaged—a response to previous evaluations highlighting the disconnect beyond senior management.
In conjunction with the strategic plan, the Ministry has initiated a Priority Improvement Plan (PIP) to upgrade hospital infrastructure and operational capability while a long-term master plan is under development. This initiative, supported by the Australian High Commission, aims to address urgent infrastructure needs at major hospitals such as CWM and St Giles, focusing on critical aspects like roofing, sanitation, and fire safety.
These timely infrastructure upgrades are intended to maintain operational standards and mitigate service disruptions during the rollout of the comprehensive master plan. Dr. Lalabalavu expressed optimism that future governments will appreciate the value of this strategic endeavor, regardless of leadership changes. With ongoing backing from ADB and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the master plan envisions hospital modernization as a vital long-term investment, promising a brighter future for healthcare services in Fiji.