The Coalition Government is preparing to announce its new National Development Plan, which aims to provide fresh hope and direction for development efforts in Fiji. This was emphasized by Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, during his address at the Fiji Medical Association Annual Scientific Conference held in Nadi yesterday.
Dr. Lalabalavu expressed the Ministry’s eagerness to align its strategies with the new National Development Plan, focusing on creating a resilient health system that incorporates innovation and technology. The goal is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based healthcare services that contribute to the vision of a healthier population in Fiji.
He also mentioned the Cabinet’s approval of the National HIV Surge Strategy, which is set to be officially launched soon. Dr. Lalabalavu urged the Association’s support and collaboration in implementing this strategy, which requires cooperation from multiple stakeholders to curb the spread of HIV within communities.
“The health sector, particularly the public health sector, has encountered significant challenges in infrastructure, human resources, quality of services, and health financing over the past few years,” he noted.
He added that since the Coalition Government took power about a year and a half ago, it has been clear and focused on prioritizing policies aimed at tackling these challenges through collaboration, innovation, and decisive actions to enhance healthcare in Fiji.