Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, acknowledged the challenges faced with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in response to a question posed by independent Opposition Member Jone Usamate during a parliamentary session.
The PPP initiative was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to enhance medical treatment efficiency. Lalabalavu noted that any agreement carries risks, particularly when preparatory work is not adequately executed, leading to current challenges. He highlighted issues such as a lack of understanding and application of the PPP concept, weak institutional capacity within public sector agencies, and insufficient monitoring as significant obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the partnership with Healthcare Fiji and Aspen Medical has introduced new services that have improved healthcare standards at Lautoka Hospital. The hospital now boasts a modern Accident and Emergency department, upgraded radiology equipment, a new operating theatre, and a cardiology unit for managing low-risk cardiac cases, among other advancements.
Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of involving health officials from the beginning in any agreements related to healthcare. Additionally, he shared that the PPP initiative has led to outsourced services in laundry, security, and other areas when needed. Presently, approximately 59,000 individuals are registered under the free medicine scheme, with 490 registered for the kidney dialysis subsidy scheme. The GP scheme has expanded, with 59 general practitioners participating as of now.
Moreover, he noted that four hospitals have outsourced their security services, while five hospitals, including CWM, Labasa, Nadi, Sigatoka, and Navosa, have outsourced housekeeping services.