Sugarcane farmers in Fiji will now have access to affordable healthcare services through the newly launched Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program. This significant initiative was unveiled by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, during the opening of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. The program aims to offer discounted healthcare services to around 10,500 active cane growers, recognizing their essential contributions to the national economy.
During the announcement, Professor Prasad emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering the sugar farming community, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access can be limited. He highlighted the collaboration with PSH, stating, “This partnership ensures that farmers have access to affordable healthcare and demonstrates our commitment to improving health services.”
In addition to providing immediate healthcare benefits, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure. This includes key projects such as the establishment of a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital funded by the Indian government, as well as upgrades to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. The SCGF Loyalty Program is positioned as a pivotal step in ensuring that the healthcare needs of sugarcane farmers are effectively addressed, allowing them to focus on their essential work without the added stress of healthcare accessibility.
Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, indicated that leveraging the collective buying power of sugarcane farmers will enable them to access quality medical services at reduced rates. Moreover, plans are underway to extend these healthcare services to additional regions, including Labasa, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize health and wellness.
The SCGF Loyalty Program not only underscores the need for improved healthcare access but also stands as a hopeful sign of enhanced quality of life for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers. Such initiatives reflect a positive and committed effort by the government and healthcare providers to support one of the country’s vital agricultural sectors, ultimately aiming for healthier farming communities and a stronger economy.
In summary, the launch of the SCGF Loyalty Program is a significant advancement that promises to enhance healthcare access and overall well-being for sugarcane farmers in Fiji, reinforcing their invaluable role in the nation’s agricultural landscape and economic stability.
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