Sugarcane farmers in Fiji will now enjoy greater access to affordable healthcare through the newly launched Sugar Cane Growers’ Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program. This initiative was officially announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, during the opening ceremony of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi.

Professor Prasad highlighted the aim of the SCGF Loyalty Program to provide discounted healthcare services to approximately 10,500 active cane growers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support the agricultural community, particularly those residing in rural areas where healthcare access can be limited. He remarked, “This partnership with PSH ensures that farmers have access to affordable healthcare and demonstrates our commitment to improving health services.”

This program is part of a broader strategy to modernize Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, which includes significant projects such as the construction of a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital funded by the Indian Government. Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, noted that by harnessing the collective buying power of sugarcane farmers, the initiative plans to deliver essential medical services at reduced rates, boosting the overall well-being of these farmers who are vital to the country’s economy.

Plans are also in motion to expand these healthcare services to regions like Labasa, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focusing on health and wellness. The SCGF Loyalty Program not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also signifies a hopeful step towards a more sustainable and healthier future for Fiji’s sugarcane farming community.

In summary, with the SCGF Loyalty Program, there is a promising advancement in healthcare access for sugarcane farmers, which not only reinforces their vital role in the agricultural sector but also enhances their living standards. The collaborative efforts between governmental and healthcare providers symbolize a proactive approach to ensuring that those who contribute significantly to the nation’s agricultural landscape can lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.