A report published on September 27, 1984, highlighted positive developments in the health sector as the 1980s progressed. It announced that the Central Nursing School in Tamavua, which has been functioning since 1908 primarily for midwifery training, was set to be replaced by a modern complex valued at $5.45 million, funded through Japanese government aid.
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 was slated to begin in January of the following year, with an expected completion date by the end of 1985.
The new facility will include an administration building, lecture rooms, dormitories, and it will accommodate up to 400 students. The funding will also provide equipment necessary for nursing education.
Dr. Mesake Biumaiwai, the Permanent Secretary for Health, expressed optimism about the new school, noting that the ministry had long sought improved facilities. With the new infrastructure, the output from the Central Nursing School is anticipated to increase significantly. “Once completed, we can expect 360 students at the same time, helping to meet the rising manpower needs across our nursing stations,” he remarked. Previously, the school had an annual intake of only 60 students.
During the previous year, due to the demolition of old wooden buildings, nursing students attended classes at Nasinu Teachers Training College. Additionally, all third-year nursing students were moved to Lautoka Hospital for their technical training.
Looking ahead, Dr. Biumaiwai stated that the Lautoka Nursing School was set to merge with the Central Nursing School in 1986, while Lautoka Hospital will continue to provide technical training for graduating students. By that time, it was expected that the new school would be able to conduct two intakes of 120 students each year.
Discussions regarding the construction plans involved the Public Works Department, Health Ministry officials, and the Tokyo-based architectural firm Azusa Sekkei. The new nursing school will be constructed on a 2.9-hectare site alongside Princes Road in Suva.