Fiji is set to strengthen its emergency cardiac care with the donation of 40 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) valued at more than 247,000. The Health Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia Railway Services to deploy the life-saving devices at critical locations across the country, with installation, user training, and ongoing maintenance all included to ensure long-term sustainability.
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the initiative would enhance emergency response and public health, noting that several AEDs are already in use within Ministry facilities and on Rotuma. He added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to saving lives and signals continued cooperation into the future that will benefit those treated by the devices.
Australia Railway Services Managing Director Mukesh Naidu highlighted the personal motivation behind the donation, explaining it stems from the loss of his father to cardiac arrest and aims to assist people during critical moments.
This latest donation follows an earlier contribution of 20 AEDs from Aus Railway Services, underscoring a broader push to strengthen Fiji’s pre-hospital emergency care. The two sets of devices are part of a wider regional effort to boost readiness, including other emergency health initiatives and upgrades across the health system.
The broader context of Fiji’s health support includes additional international contributions to emergency and transport capabilities, such as ambulances and advanced medical equipment to improve response times and care in rural and urban areas. These efforts align with ongoing partnerships under the Vuvale framework and Australia’s broader health programs, which aim to safeguard communities against health emergencies and improve outcomes.
Experts say AEDs are crucial for immediate response to sudden cardiac arrest, capable of analyzing heart rhythms and delivering a shock when needed. Placing these devices in strategic locations—including government facilities and remote communities like Rotuma—helps bridge the critical minutes before professional care can arrive, potentially saving lives at the scene of an incident or event.
This step reinforces Fiji’s trajectory toward a more resilient healthcare system, where rapid intervention and accessible equipment can make a tangible difference in survival rates for cardiac emergencies. The hopeful outlook is that expanded AED access, alongside ongoing training and equipment maintenance, will empower communities and health workers to respond more effectively in life-and-death moments.
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