In a report from The Fiji Times dated September 27, 1984, there are promising advancements in the health sector as the 1980s progress. The report highlights plans to replace the Central Nursing School in Tamavua, originally established in 1908 for midwifery training, with a new $5.45 million facility funded through a Japanese Government aid initiative.
The agreement for this project was signed earlier that week in Suva by Jonati Mavoa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Kikuo Yoshida, the Japanese Ambassador. Construction of the new school is set to commence in January of the following year, with an anticipated completion date toward the end of 1985.
This new complex will include an administration building, lecture halls, dormitories, and will have the capacity to accommodate 400 students, along with essential nursing education equipment provided by the grant. Dr. Mesake Biumaiwai, the permanent secretary for Health, noted that the ministry has sought improved facilities for over 15 years. He expressed that the new school would significantly enhance student intake, predicting that it would facilitate 360 students at once to meet the growing staffing demands in nursing.
Previously, the school admitted only 60 students annually. During the last year, students attended classes at Nasinu Teachers Training College while preparations were made to dismantle the aging wooden structures. Additionally, third-year nursing students were relocated to Lautoka Hospital for their technical training.
Dr. Biumaiwai mentioned plans for the Lautoka Nursing School to merge with the Central Nursing School in 1986, while Lautoka Hospital will continue serving as a site for students’ technical training. By 1986, the school expects to conduct two intakes of 120 students each year.
Negotiations concerning the new construction involved the Public Works Department, Ministry of Health representatives, and the Tokyo-based architectural consulting firm, Azusa Sekkei. The new school is set to be built on a 2.9-hectare parcel of land adjacent to Princes Rd in Suva.