The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva is set to enhance its medical services and establish itself as a leading healthcare provider in the region, thanks to a significant investment from Australia. The Australian government announced a funding allocation of $14.7 million for the hospital’s redevelopment master plan.
Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, made this announcement during her visit to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Meeting. She emphasized the importance of renovating the CWM Hospital to ensure it can meet future health needs.
This investment aims to create a comprehensive master plan for the hospital, facilitating continuous service delivery while transforming the facility into a state-of-the-art healthcare center. JohnStaff International Development (JID), an Australian business, will be the principal consultant on the project, which is expected to last 12 to 14 months.
Wong noted that the master plan will help address the healthcare demands of Fiji, focusing on workforce needs and necessary infrastructure for a national referral hospital. She highlighted the urgency of the project, mentioning that a thorough engineering assessment of the existing hospital will also take place to ensure ongoing operations during the redevelopment.
The Australian government expressed its commitment to partnership and support in enhancing healthcare services in Fiji. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised Australia for its investment and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two nations.
Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, confirmed that the agreement for the master plan’s redevelopment has been signed, noting the challenges of providing services during the hospital renovations. He stated that the ministry would focus on strategic planning to maintain services while improving the hospital’s infrastructure.
Alison McKechnie, the CEO of the winning tender, reiterated that the redevelopment master plan is now their primary focus, ensuring high-quality healthcare for the people of Fiji. She acknowledged the cooperation between the Fijian government and Australia, emphasizing that the project marks a transformative step for healthcare in the country.