The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has officially completed the renovation of the Emergency Department at Labasa Hospital, valued at $1 million, and has handed it over to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. At the inauguration event, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu expressed gratitude towards KOICA and the people of Korea, highlighting their ongoing support for Fiji’s healthcare system, particularly benefiting those in the northern regions of the country.

Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the critical role of emergency departments in hospitals, noting that they are the first point of contact for severely ill patients. Thus, it is essential that these facilities foster an environment of comfort and trust during challenging times. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, aiming to improve the wellbeing of all Fijians.

The Emergency Department was inaugurated last Friday, marking another significant milestone in the continuous efforts to elevate the standard of medical services within Fiji. The Minister acknowledged existing infrastructural challenges in various health facilities but assured that the Ministry is dedicated to addressing these issues through collaborative initiatives with partners like KOICA.

This recent development complements the government’s effort to bolster healthcare infrastructure in Fiji, which includes the approval for a new National Rehabilitation Centre in collaboration with KOICA, worth $22.2 million. The continued partnership signifies a positive outlook for the healthcare sector in Fiji, as ongoing improvements are expected to enhance patient care and services nationwide.

In summary, the refurbishment of the Labasa Hospital Emergency Department represents a significant advancement in Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, supported by international cooperation, and is part of a broader effort to address the nation’s health challenges.