Savenaca Narube, the leader of the UNITY Fiji Party, has expressed serious concerns regarding the shortcomings in the nation’s health services, particularly the ongoing shortage of essential medical supplies in hospitals. Narube emphasizes that prioritizing health issues should be the government’s top agenda, stating, “They (Government) just do not have enough money for health… Perhaps it’s also the management of the little resources that they have.”
Highlighting the urgent need for repairs and maintenance in healthcare facilities, Narube pointed to operational failures at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), including malfunctioning medical equipment and inadequate laundry services. He criticized the government’s delayed approach to addressing these issues, arguing that necessary repairs could be less costly than the recent salary increases granted to government officials.
Narube also urged the government to recognize these healthcare challenges, asserting, “People are not fools, people are not blind. They know what’s happening.” His comments underscore the need for a more significant allocation of resources to healthcare, which remains critical amidst numerous ongoing challenges.
In response to Narube’s statements, Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu addressed Parliament, indicating that the Ministry is working on finalizing its Primary Health Care Strategy, designed to enhance health services across various levels. Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the necessity of transforming healthcare through preventive measures that could help avert future complications.
Additionally, issues within Fiji’s healthcare system have attracted commentary from other officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, who highlighted the alarming state of health services, attributing these challenges to years of neglect. Prasad reassured that the government is committed to confronting these long-standing problems via ongoing projects, which include infrastructure enhancements at CWM.
Looking forward, the government has initiated a new 5-year National Health Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, aiming to establish a robust healthcare system that adequately responds to the needs of the population. With various initiatives underway, there is a growing sense of hope that these sustained efforts will foster significant improvements in health service delivery across Fiji.
This heightened focus on healthcare, alongside the government’s proactive responses, has the potential to catalyze further reforms and pave the way for a more resilient healthcare framework to better serve the Fijian people. Such collaborative approaches may lead to a brighter future for Fiji’s healthcare system, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
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