In the health sector, promising developments emerged four years into the 1980s, as highlighted in a report from The Fiji Times on September 27, 1984. The report revealed plans for a new $5.45 million complex to replace the Central Nursing School in Tamavua, which had served as a midwifery training institute since its establishment in 1908.
The agreement for the new facility was signed that week in Suva between Jonati Mavoa, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Japanese Ambassador Kikuo Yoshida, as part of a Japanese Government aid initiative. Construction of the new nursing school was scheduled to commence in January of the following year, with an anticipated completion by late 1985.
The new facility will include an administration building, lecture rooms, and dormitories, with the capacity to accommodate 400 students. This grant also covers equipment necessary for nursing education. Dr. Mesake Biumaiwai, the permanent secretary for Health, noted that the ministry had been advocating for improved facilities for over 15 years and expected that the new school would significantly enhance the output from the Central Nursing School.
Dr. Biumaiwai projected that the new school could support 360 students at one time, addressing the growing workforce needs across nursing stations. At that time, the annual intake was limited to just 60 students. During the previous year, students attended classes at Nasinu Teachers Training College while preparations were made to demolish the old wooden buildings.
In addition, all third-year nursing students were relocated to Lautoka Hospital for their technical training. Dr. Biumaiwai mentioned that the Lautoka Nursing School would be integrated into the Central Nursing School in 1986, though Lautoka Hospital would continue to serve as a venue for technical training for graduating students. By 1986, the school was expected to manage two intakes of 120 students each year.
Discussions also occurred involving the Public Works Department, officials from the Ministry of Health, and the Tokyo-based architecture consulting firm Azusa Sekkei regarding the construction of the new facility, which is to be located on a 2.9-hectare site next to Princes Rd in Suva.