Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has expressed grave concerns about the deteriorated state of Fiji’s health infrastructure, stating that it was among the most neglected worldwide when inherited by the Coalition Government. During his address at the Fiji Trades Union Congress National Council Meeting in Suva, he pointed to a World Bank report detailing two decades of decline in Fiji’s public health system.
Prasad emphasized that health outcomes in Fiji were significantly better in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s than they are now, attributing the severe state of the health system to “years of neglect.” He underscored that this deterioration is not merely a recent phenomenon but stems from long-standing issues that the current government is now actively addressing.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, he noted that in just two and a half years, improvements have already been made across numerous health centres, including a complete renovation of the Nausori Health Centre and ongoing enhancements at Kadavu’s Vunisea Hospital, aided by support from the Australian Government. The Coalition Government is working on various infrastructure projects, with 27 initiatives underway to rehabilitate health facilities throughout the country.
Prasad revealed the ambitious plan to establish a new national hospital with over 700 beds, in collaboration with multiple partners, reflecting a widespread commitment to improving health services. The Deputy Prime Minister also discussed plans for constructing a 100-bed super-specialty hospital with funding from the Indian government, which is expected to commence soon.
In light of these developments, there is optimism for the future of Fiji’s healthcare system. The efforts to rebuild and modernize healthcare infrastructures can potentially bring about significant improvements in health outcomes and public trust in government services. Prasad urged the public to remain patient as the Coalition Government seeks to rectify the damage done in previous years and elevate the standard of healthcare across the nation.
This commitment marks a hopeful direction for Fiji, with a clear focus on not just fixing existing problems but also ensuring a sustainable healthcare future for all its citizens.
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