A report in The Fiji Times on September 27, 1984, highlighted positive developments in the health sector during the early 1980s. The report announced that the Central Nursing School in Tamavua, originally established in 1908 for midwifery training, would be replaced with a new complex valued at $5.45 million, funded by Japanese Government aid.
The agreement for this project was signed in Suva between Jonati Mavoa, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Japanese Ambassador Kikuo Yoshida. Construction of the new school was set to begin in January of the following year, with an anticipated completion by the end of 1985. The facility would include an administration building, lecture halls, and dormitories, accommodating up to 400 students, and it would also provide equipment for nursing education as part of the grant.
Dr. Mesake Biumaiwai, the permanent secretary for Health, remarked that the ministry had long sought improved facilities for over 15 years. With the new school, the Central Nursing School aimed to increase its output, expecting to host 360 students simultaneously, addressing the growing manpower needs across nursing stations. Previously, the school could only intake 60 students annually.
In the preceding year, student classes were temporarily relocated to Nasinu Teachers Training College due to the demolition of wooden structures. Third-year nursing students were given practical training at Lautoka Hospital. Dr. Biumaiwai noted that the Lautoka Nursing School would merge with the Central Nursing School in 1986, though Lautoka Hospital would continue to serve for hands-on training for graduates.
By 1986, the school would facilitate two intakes of 120 students each year. Discussions were held with the Public Works Department, Ministry of Health officials, and Tokyo-based architect firm Azusa Sekkei regarding the construction of the new facilities, which was to be situated on 2.9 hectares of land next to Princes Rd in Suva.