Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has promised the public that the government is committed to enhancing infrastructure and facilities at public hospitals, in line with budget proposals from the Ministry of Health. He addressed worries surrounding the deteriorating state of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), acknowledging the need for improvements that should have been prioritized in the past.
“We can only work according to the budget requisition by the Ministry of Health,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He emphasized that many of the aging facilities are nearing the end of their service life and that proactive measures should have been taken sooner.
In his address, Mr. Rabuka also highlighted the necessity of consistent funding for maintenance and repairs. He recalled an earlier government approach that allocated approximately 10% of the total cost of government infrastructure for renovations and repairs. “That is no longer the practice now. But, the Minister for Finance may want to reintroduce that concept,” he said, indicating a potential shift back to prioritizing routine maintenance.
These remarks reflect a growing recognition of the pressure public hospitals are under to enhance their aging infrastructure and improve the overall quality of health services to better serve the community.
The government’s intention to revitalize hospital facilities may foster a more effective healthcare environment, ultimately benefiting public health. Emphasizing the importance of investing in infrastructure could pave the way for enhanced patient care and improved health outcomes for all citizens.
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