The recently upgraded Naililili Nursing Station in Rewa is poised to enhance healthcare services for more than 3,398 residents across 14 villages and 18 settlements. This renovation is part of the government’s broader initiative aimed at bolstering primary healthcare and ensuring that medical services effectively reach rural and maritime communities.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu underscored that the upgraded station exemplifies Fiji’s commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that essential care remains accessible to families in need. The facility’s enhancements also include measures to improve resilience against climate-related impacts, which acknowledges the unique challenges faced by communities in remote locations.
The renovation, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the World Health Organization’s SHAPE project, involved a total expenditure of $378,000. Key upgrades to the facility range from the construction of a new ablution block to improvements in plumbing and electrical systems, alongside the installation of solar power. These enhancements are aimed at facilitating better service delivery and encouraging operations that can withstand climate-related challenges.
Since its establishment in 1965, the Naililili Nursing Station has been crucial in providing outpatient care, immunizations, and emergency referrals. Dr. Lalabalavu recognized the efforts of long-serving frontline workers, including pioneering nurse Emele Ose, who have significantly contributed to advances in community health.
Dr. Mark Jacobs, the World Health Organization’s Representative to the South Pacific, emphasized the importance of building community resilience in the face of climate challenges. Likewise, KOICA Fiji Director Hankyulsam Cho highlighted that strong local participation is vital for achieving sustainable health solutions.
The reopening of the Naililili Nursing Station not only aims to deliver essential health services to families, schoolchildren, and vulnerable groups but also reinforces Fiji’s dedication to providing accessible and reliable healthcare. With these positive developments underway, there is a growing sense of optimism regarding the future of healthcare in the nation, marking a proactive move toward enhancing health outcomes and overall quality of life for all citizens.