Discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a new campus for the Sangam College of Nursing in Fiji’s Western Division. This initiative comes in response to the increasing demand for enrollment at the existing Labasa campus, where a significant number of qualified students are left without admission. Jai Narayan, the chief executive officer of TISI Sangam Fiji, announced that a proposal will be presented to the national executive board to address this urgent need.
Last year, approximately 300 qualified applicants sought admission to the Labasa campus, but only 125 spots were available. This high demand resulted in the campus filling all available places exclusively with students from Vanua Levu, leaving candidates from Viti Levu without an opportunity for nursing education. The establishment of a new campus aims to rectify this inequity and provide broader access to aspiring nursing students across Fiji.
Narayan shared that a building for the new campus has already been secured; however, an investment of around $700,000 is required to equip the facility, furnish it, and staff it properly. This significant financial commitment highlights the extensive preparations necessary for a successful launch.
The specific location for the new campus in the Western Division remains to be finalized, pending executive approval. If the proposal is green-lit, it is expected to accommodate around 70 to 80 students in its first cohort.
This development represents a critical step in addressing the escalating educational needs within Fiji’s nursing sector. Historically, significant advancements in nursing education in the 1980s, such as the establishment of new nursing schools, have played a crucial role in meeting the staffing demands of Fiji’s healthcare system.
As discussions surrounding the proposal continue, there is optimism about the potential for broader educational access for nursing students in Fiji. This initiative could pave the way for a more prepared healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting the community and the healthcare sector as a whole.