The Coalition Government is preparing to launch its new National Development Plan, which aims to rejuvenate development efforts in Fiji. This announcement was made by Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, during the Fiji Medical Association Annual Scientific Conference in Nadi.
Dr. Lalabalavu expressed the Ministry’s eagerness to align its strategies with the new National Development Plan, focusing on building a resilient health system that leverages innovation and technology to provide high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. This initiative is part of the broader goal of fostering a healthy population in Fiji.
He also mentioned that the Cabinet has approved the National HIV Surge Strategy, which is expected to be launched officially in the near future. Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Association to successfully implement this strategy, which requires joint efforts from multiple stakeholders to combat the spread of HIV within communities.
He acknowledged the substantial challenges the health sector, particularly public health, has faced in recent years, such as issues with infrastructure, human resources, quality of services, and healthcare financing. Since the Coalition Government took office a year and a half ago, it has focused on addressing these challenges through collaboration, innovation, and decisive actions aimed at improving healthcare services in Fiji.