The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva is set to enhance its medical services significantly, thanks to a $14.7 million investment from Australia. The announcement came from Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong during her visit to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Meeting.
Wong highlighted the necessity for the renovation of CWM Hospital, stating, “Australia is investing $14.7 million to develop this master plan.” The funding will facilitate the creation of a comprehensive master plan aimed at ensuring continuous services while transforming the hospital into a modern medical facility.
JohnStaff International Development (JID), an Australian firm, has been appointed as the chief consultant for the master plan, which is projected to take about 12 to 14 months to complete. Wong noted that the plan would cater to the future health requirements of Fiji, along with the necessary infrastructure to support a top-tier national referral hospital.
Additionally, Australia will conduct an urgent engineering assessment of the current hospital structure to guarantee that services remain uninterrupted during the redevelopment process. Wong expressed Australia’s commitment to collaborating with Fiji in enhancing healthcare services and creating inclusive opportunities.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the Australian government for its timely financial support and underscored the strong partnership between Australia and Fiji. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that an agreement has been signed with Australia regarding the redevelopment master plan, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the hospital’s current condition.
Alison McKechnie, CEO of the contracted firm, prioritized the redevelopment plan to ensure that Fijians receive high-quality healthcare, acknowledging the significant commitment of the Fijian government to this monumental project, which reflects the strong ties between Fiji and Australia. The CWM Hospital Master Plan is expected to provide a foundational framework for transformative changes in Fiji’s healthcare system.