Sugarcane farmers in Fiji will soon have improved access to affordable healthcare services through the newly launched Sugar Cane Growers’ Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program. This initiative, introduced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, was announced during the opening of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. The program aims to benefit approximately 10,500 active cane growers by offering them discounted healthcare services.

Professor Prasad stressed the government’s commitment to supporting the sugar farming community, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare can be challenging. He stated, “This partnership with PSH ensures that farmers have access to affordable healthcare and demonstrates our commitment to improving health services.” The SCGF Loyalty Program is aligned with broader efforts to modernize Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, including significant projects such as the establishment of a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital funded by the Indian Government.

Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, noted that the initiative will uplift the overall well-being of sugarcane farmers by utilizing their collective buying power to provide essential medical services at reduced rates. Plans are also in place to extend these healthcare services to other regions, including Labasa, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that emphasize health and wellness.

In summary, the SCGF Loyalty Program signifies a vital step toward enhancing healthcare access for sugarcane farmers, promising not only improved health outcomes but also reinforcing the vital role they play in Fiji’s agricultural sector and economy. This initiative is a hopeful sign for a more sustainable future, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of the government and healthcare providers to support and nurture the farming community.