The Health Ministry of Fiji is taking significant strides to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of rehabilitation services across the country. Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu made this pledge during the official opening of the Special Outpatient Department (SOPD) Clinic at Twomey Hospital in Tamavua. This newly constructed clinic represents an investment of $550,000 and is set to cater to nearly 6,000 patients each month, marking a pivotal advancement in providing disability-inclusive healthcare in Fiji.
Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that this clinic will serve as a crucial temporary solution while plans for a new National Rehabilitation Hospital are underway, with a completion target set for mid-2028. The Minister pointed out that this initiative aligns with the National Disability Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Action Plan (NDIHRAP) for 2023-2027, which emphasizes making rehabilitation services accessible and inclusive for all, to ensure that no Fijian is left behind.
Referencing data from the 2017 census, Dr. Lalabalavu noted that approximately 13.7% of Fijians aged three and above live with some form of functional disability. This statistic underscores the urgent need to expand and improve rehabilitation services that cater to a diverse population.
The collaborative effort involved in establishing the SOPD clinic included partnerships with the Latter-day Saints Charities (LDSC) and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), demonstrating the vital role of international cooperation in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Fiji.
As the country embraces this progress, the establishment of a comprehensive rehabilitation system signifies not only an improvement in healthcare standards but also a hopeful prospect for those requiring support in their recovery and rehabilitation journeys. Through ongoing investments in health infrastructure, Fiji is paving the way towards a more inclusive future for all its citizens.
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