Sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to benefit from the newly launched Sugar Cane Growers’ Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program, which aims to provide affordable healthcare services. This initiative was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, during the inauguration of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. The program is designed to serve approximately 10,500 active cane growers, offering them discounted healthcare options.

Professor Prasad underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access for the sugar farming community, especially in rural areas where medical services are often harder to come by. He highlighted that this collaboration with PSH not only assures affordable healthcare for farmers but also signifies an essential step in modernizing Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure. Significant projects, such as the establishment of a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital funded by the Indian Government, are part of this broader initiative.

Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, emphasized that the program intends to uplift the overall well-being of sugarcane farmers by leveraging their collective buying power to provide vital medical services at reduced rates. There are also plans to extend healthcare access to regions like Labasa, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aimed at promoting health and wellness.

In summary, the SCGF Loyalty Program marks a significant advancement for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, promising improved healthcare access while reinforcing their crucial role in the national economy. This initiative is a hopeful sign of a healthier future, aiming to ensure that those who contribute significantly to the agricultural sector can lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.

This collaborative effort between the government and healthcare providers illustrates a proactive approach to supporting an essential sector, thereby enabling a more sustainable and prosperous future for Fiji’s farming community.