UNITY Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube has once again voiced his worries regarding the inadequacies in health services, particularly the shortage of essential medical supplies in hospitals. According to Narube, making health issues a priority should be the government’s foremost agenda. He stated, “They (Government) just do not have enough money for health… Perhaps it’s also the management of the little resources that they have.”
Narube highlighted the urgent need for repairs and maintenance within hospitals, pointing out the operational failures at CWM Hospital such as malfunctioning machines and the lack of laundry services. He questioned the government’s hesitance to address these issues promptly, suggesting that necessary repairs would likely cost less than the recent increases in salaries for government officials.
He urged the government to acknowledge these challenges, stating, “People are not fools, people are not blind. They know what’s happening.” His appeal emphasizes the need for an allocation of resources that better reflects the significance of health care amidst ongoing issues.
In response, Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu communicated to Parliament that the Ministry is finalizing its Primary Health Care Strategy, which aims to improve health services across all levels. Dr. Lalabalavu expressed the importance of transforming health care with preventive measures that can alleviate future complications.
Notably, these concerns extend beyond individual hospitals, reflecting broader challenges within Fiji’s healthcare system that have previously been underscored by other officials. Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, for instance, remarked on the alarming state of health services within Fiji, linking challenges to years of neglect and emphasizing the government’s commitment to address these longstanding issues through ongoing projects, including infrastructure improvements at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The government is also initiating a new 5-year National Health Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, aiming to create a robust healthcare system responsive to the needs of the population. With various initiatives underway, there is a prevailing sense of hope that sustained efforts will lead to significant improvements in the delivery of health services across Fiji.
This spotlight on health care and the government’s responses may trigger further reforms and foster a proactive approach to tackling these critical issues. Through collaborative efforts and focused strategies, there is optimism for a more resilient and efficient healthcare framework to meet the demands of the Fijian population.
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