Sugarcane farmers in Fiji will soon have access to affordable healthcare thanks to the newly introduced Sugar Cane Growers’ Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program. This initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad during the opening of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi, aims to provide discounted healthcare services to approximately 10,500 active cane growers.
Professor Prasad emphasized that the SCGF Loyalty Program underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to support the sugar farming community, particularly in rural areas. He stated, “This partnership with PSH ensures that farmers have access to affordable healthcare and demonstrates our commitment to improving health services.” The program is expected to significantly enhance healthcare access and is part of broader efforts to modernize Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, which includes the establishment of a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital funded by the Indian government.
The initiative, according to Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, is designed to uplift the overall well-being of sugarcane farmers by leveraging their collective buying power to offer essential medical services at reduced rates. Plans are also in place to extend the initiative to areas such as Labasa, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that emphasize health and wellness.
In summary, the SCGF Loyalty Program represents a promising advancement for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, contributing not only to better healthcare access but also reinforcing the agricultural sector’s vital role in the national economy. This initiative reflects a hopeful future for farmers, ensuring they can lead healthier lives while continuing to support the country through their agricultural contributions.
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