The Australian Government has chosen Johnstaff International Development to implement the master plan for the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, collaborating with GHD, Silver Thomas Hanley, and International SOS Australia.
During the announcement, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, acknowledged the commitment and skills of health professionals in Fiji, commending their contributions to local communities. She emphasized the shared belief in healthcare as a fundamental right, stating, “When Fiji asked for our support to improve its healthcare through a master plan for this hospital, we listened, and we acted.”
Senator Wong highlighted that the announcement comes after a competitive procurement process and expressed the urgency of improving health services at the CWM Hospital, which has been in operation for over a century. She noted, “We cannot wait for the completion of this process to see improvements in health services,” and affirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to conducting an urgent engineering assessment of the existing hospital facilities to ensure they meet the community’s needs.
Australia remains dedicated to enhancing its partnership with Fiji, focusing on better health services and inclusive opportunities to promote peace and prosperity in the region. Wong emphasized that the Vuvale partnership is rooted in trust and mutual respect.
In response, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for its support in the redevelopment of the CWM Hospital, which honors Fijian soldiers who served during the war. He noted that the hospital’s entrance prominently features the engraved names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Rabuka remarked that this partnership signifies the progress both nations are making together and aims to showcase the importance of their collaboration on a global scale.