Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has highlighted the alarming state of Fiji’s health services, attributing the current challenges to years of neglect as indicated in a World Bank report. He emphasized that the findings come from an Australian government-backed study, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Prof Prasad remarked, “The very first line of the executive summary states, ‘years of neglect of the health system.’ This is not just my observation—this is the report’s assessment.” He pointed out that issues currently being raised, such as malfunctions at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, are not recent problems but the result of longstanding deterioration.
Acknowledging the public’s frustrations, he urged citizens to recognize the efforts made by the coalition government over the past two years, noting significant improvements to health facilities. For instance, the Nausori Health Centre, which had been in disrepair for 15 years, was successfully renovated within a year, with assistance from the New Zealand government.
Prof Prasad informed that the government has initiated 27 new projects at CWM Hospital with funding from the Australian government, alongside internal funding efforts to enhance health services. He also mentioned plans for constructing a new national hospital, marking a commitment to long-term health infrastructure improvements.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by asking for public patience, acknowledging the formidable challenges posed by the previous administration’s neglect. He stated, “A lot of work is being done to improve the quality of services for our people,” and reiterated the government’s dedication to transforming Fiji’s health landscape for the better.
In summary, the government is actively addressing the healthcare concerns while recognizing the legacy of past mismanagement. This commitment to rejuvenating Fiji’s health services represents a hopeful turn towards better public health outcomes.
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