Challenges stemming from aging infrastructure at Lautoka Hospital are set to improve, thanks to a collaborative effort between Aspen Medical and the Government under a public-private partnership.
Gavin Whiteside, the Chief Executive for Aspen Medical in Fiji, expressed that the hospital’s aged facilities pose the greatest challenge currently. Built in 1925, the hospital’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the decades, impacting its overall structural integrity. Whiteside noted, “Lautoka Hospital has been standing for many decades, and there are some areas of the hospital, infrastructure-wise, that are struggling to remain standing in some cases.”
Renovation efforts have already commenced, and discussions for additional refurbishment projects are actively taking place. Whiteside emphasized that the organization collaborates with various teams and specialists, both locally and globally, to address these infrastructure issues. He pointed out, “If you wander around the facility now, you should see a difference in the positive light; that’s been a focus on the infrastructure.”
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, also acknowledged the ongoing partnership with Aspen Medical to enhance hospital infrastructure. He recognized that infrastructure issues represent one of the most pressing concerns within Fiji’s healthcare system and assured that the Government is prioritizing efforts to resolve these challenges.
This partnership not only demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare facilities in Fiji but also signals a hopeful step toward revitalizing the long-standing service at Lautoka Hospital for the benefit of all patients.
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