The Australian High Commission has taken steps to clarify what it describes as “incorrect information” regarding the upgrade projects currently being carried out at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. In a recent social media statement, the High Commission detailed the funding commitments and ongoing initiatives designed to enhance healthcare facilities in Fiji.
As part of these initiatives, Australia has pledged a significant sum of FJD $14.5 million (approximately AUD $10 million) to support vital upgrades at CWM Hospital by January 2025. This financial backing coincides with Fiji’s planning for a new national referral hospital.
The High Commission emphasized its collaborative approach, stating, “Working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and CWM Hospital staff, Australia has prioritized urgent works, engaged local architects and engineers to scope the projects, and contracted local companies to deliver them.”
Among the current projects valued at FJD $6.7 million are several key improvements. These include roofing repairs at both CWM and St Giles Hospitals, scheduled from December 2025 to May 2026, enhancements to acute patient wards featuring increased bathroom facilities, better accessibility, and upgraded pantry and staff areas planned for January to June 2026. Additional upgrades include the installation of a new 200,000-litre water tank complete with filtration and pumping systems, as well as sewer remediation work at the CWM maternity building, both projected for completion between January and June 2026.
The High Commission also revealed that planning is underway for a subsequent phase of upgrades, estimated to cost FJD $7.8 million, which will be finalized in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and CWM Hospital.
These upgrades form part of the broader Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia, which focuses on enhancing essential services and bolstering community resilience throughout the region. The commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure underscores the strong collaborative relationship between the two nations and reflects a positive step toward better health outcomes for the Fijian community.
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