The Coalition Government is poised to announce its new National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to bring renewed hope and direction for development in Fiji. This was emphasized by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, during his address at the Fiji Medical Association Annual Scientific Conference held in Nadi yesterday.
Dr. Lalabalavu expressed his anticipation for aligning the Ministry’s strategies with the new NDP, which focuses on building a resilient health system that incorporates innovation and technology while providing high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. This initiative is part of the overarching vision of promoting a healthy population in Fiji.
He also pointed out that the Cabinet has endorsed the National HIV Surge Strategy, which Dr. Lalabalavu announced would be launched officially in the near future. He urged the Association to support the implementation of this strategy, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat the spread of HIV in communities.
“The health sector, particularly public health, has encountered significant challenges in infrastructure, human resources, quality of services, and health financing over the past few years,” he stated.
Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that since the Coalition Government took office a year and a half ago, it has been clear and focused in its policy priorities to tackle these issues through collaboration, innovation, and decisive actions aimed at improving and enhancing healthcare in Fiji.