The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva is poised to become a leading medical facility in the region, thanks to a substantial investment from Australia. The Australian government announced a $14.7 million investment for the redevelopment master plan of the hospital.
Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, made the announcement during her visit to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Meeting. She highlighted the necessity for renovations at CWM Hospital and stated, “Australia is investing $14.7 million to develop this master plan.” The objective of this investment is to create a comprehensive plan for the hospital that will ensure continuous services while transforming it into a modern medical center.
The redevelopment will be led by JohnStaff International Development (JID), an Australian-owned consultancy, which is expected to complete the master plan within 12 to 14 months. Wong emphasized that the plan will cater to the future health needs of Fiji and enhance the hospital’s infrastructure to support high-quality national referral services.
In addition to the master plan, Australia will conduct a thorough engineering assessment of the existing hospital facilities to ensure its ongoing operations during the redevelopment phase. Wong expressed her commitment to continue collaborating with Fiji to improve healthcare services and create inclusive opportunities.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the timely investment from Australia, underscoring the strong partnership between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for the funding that will aid in the hospital’s redevelopment.
Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that the agreement with the Australian government is now signed and indicated that the focus will shift to assessing the hospital’s infrastructure. He acknowledged the challenge of providing services while repairs are underway, noting that space remains a critical issue.
Alison McKechnie, CEO of the winning tender, emphasized that the redevelopment master plan will be a top priority to ensure that Fijians receive high-quality healthcare. She recognized the Fijian government’s commitment to this significant project and highlighted the importance of fostering strong ties between Fiji and Australia. The CWM Hospital Master Plan aims to serve as a foundation for transformative changes in Fiji’s healthcare system.