The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva is facing significant challenges as it operates within an outdated structure that requires urgent attention. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu acknowledged the hospital’s aging facilities while outlining government efforts to maintain functionality as they work towards both immediate repairs and long-term replacement strategies.
In partnership with the Australian government, the ministry has plans to construct a new hospital to address the growing healthcare demands in Fiji. Dr. Lalabalavu urged the public to exercise patience, as these upgrades and new constructions will take time. He emphasized the importance of ensuring continuous service delivery, as CWMH is one of the two major referral hospitals for Fiji and the surrounding region.
The minister’s remarks come in light of recent issues, including a spill of sluice water in operating rooms, which underscored the critical state of the hospital’s infrastructure. Quick intervention by maintenance teams was able to address the issue, but it highlighted larger concerns regarding aging systems that have not evolved to meet current population demands.
The government has earmarked Valelevu as the proposed site for the new national hospital, estimated to cost nearly $2 billion. Australia has committed $14.5 million to facilitate urgent repairs and improvements at CWMH, part of a broader effort to support Fiji’s health infrastructure.
Previous assessments have identified several buildings within CWMH that are either structurally unsafe or require immediate repairs. A roadmap for rehabilitation is currently in the works, with a master plan set to guide the necessary upgrades while continuing to provide essential services.
The approach includes both immediate fixes to the existing hospital and strategic planning for the new facility, marking a pivotal shift in the management of healthcare infrastructure in Fiji. With strong international partnership support, there’s a hopeful outlook for the future of healthcare services in the region, aimed at better meeting the needs of the Fijian population.
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