Fiji’s Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, recently acknowledged both the achievements and ongoing challenges in enhancing public infrastructure, particularly within the healthcare sector. Speaking at a National Budget consultation in Nadi, Professor Prasad responded to concerns raised by hotelier Jackson Mar regarding the aging infrastructure of public hospitals. He emphasized that while significant progress has been made in two years, much work remains to improve the healthcare system, which has suffered from years of neglect.
Prasad noted, “A lot of the things we are fixing now is taking time… The system does not allow us to do it quickly.” He affirmed that the government is taking strategic steps, collaborating with partners like the World Bank and Australia for thorough assessments and renovations of facilities, including the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva.
In line with his previous statements that reflected on the disappointing state of Fiji’s health services, which were exacerbated by past neglect, Prasad urged the public to be patient as the coalition government addresses these deep-rooted issues. He highlighted that significant improvements have already been witnessed, like the renovation of the Nausori Health Centre, which had languished in poor conditions for 15 years.
Moreover, the Finance Minister is optimistic about ongoing initiatives, such as the development of a specialized hospital in collaboration with the Indian government, which is set to enhance overall healthcare services and potentially boost medical tourism in Fiji. He reiterated the need for public understanding and support as the government continues its challenging but necessary work to revamp the health landscape.
Overall, these developments reflect a commitment to long-term improvements in Fiji’s healthcare system, demonstrating the government’s awareness and responsiveness to the needs of its citizens. The renewed focus on healthcare infrastructure signifies a hopeful trajectory towards better health outcomes and increased public trust in government initiatives.
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