Hospitals across Fiji are delivering vital health services daily, supported by the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, which aims to strengthen the country’s health infrastructure to ensure that services remain safe, reliable, and accessible both now and for the future.
As part of this initiative, Australia is collaborating with the Fijian government to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for a new national referral hospital. This long-term strategy, designed to transform clinical services and the infrastructure supporting them, outlines a 30-year vision for healthcare delivery, evaluates workforce needs, and maps out the necessary infrastructure to meet future demands. Australia has committed approximately FJD14.7 million to implement this Master Plan by 2027.
Recognizing that the establishment of a new national hospital will require time, Australia is also working alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to carry out urgent upgrades at the CWM Hospital to enhance safety and maintain its day-to-day operations. These improvements include repairs to roofs across various hospital buildings to fix leaks and water damage, enhancements to the Acute Patient Ward, the installation of a new 200,000-litre water tank with filtration, and the remediation of the sewer line in the Maternity Building to improve sanitation. These updates are critical for addressing long-standing issues and will help ensure safe, continuous care during the planning of the new hospital.
Australia’s partnership is further enhancing healthcare access across the country. At Labasa Divisional Hospital, a new containerised medical waste incinerator is set to replace unsafe disposal practices, thereby strengthening infection prevention and control for patients, healthcare workers, and communities.
In Kadavu, support is being directed towards a significant refurbishment of the Vunisea Hospital—the only sub-divisional hospital on the island. The upgrades will include improvements to wards, staff areas, diagnostic and maternity facilities, as well as the establishment of a dedicated birthing unit and a room addressing gender-based violence. These enhancements will benefit around 11,000 residents, reducing the necessity for travel to Suva and enhancing the hospital’s resilience to extreme weather.
Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni will also see substantial upgrades, focusing on improving safety and functionality. Renovations will cover various areas, including wards, emergency and maternity sections, and patient waiting spaces. The installation of cyclone-rated roofs and new children’s play areas will further contribute to disaster resilience and safety for approximately 17,000 people in Taveuni and surrounding islands.
These projects are made possible through effective collaboration between Australian authorities and Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services, emphasizing the involvement of Fiji-registered consultants, contractors, and suppliers to promote local expertise and benefits to the economy.
Under the Vuvale Partnership, Australia and Fiji are realizing immediate improvements while responsibly planning for the future, ensuring that hospitals remain operational and access to care is enhanced. This collaboration is a testament to the commitment to strengthening Fiji’s healthcare system, promising a healthier future for all Fijians.
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