The Fijian government has no intentions of constructing a cancer treatment hospital in the country, according to Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services. During a parliamentary session on Thursday, he explained that most treatment options are already available in major hospitals.
Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that a collaboration under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Aspen, Government, and Healthcare Fiji Ltd is aimed at establishing a radiotherapy center at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals. He noted that setting up such a center involves significant costs.
He emphasized, “While we are working towards this radiotherapy center, it does not detract from the existing treatment options that are available.” Dr. Lalabalavu indicated that a review of the Radiation Health Act of 2009 is necessary to facilitate the introduction of radiotherapy services in Fiji.
The ministry is currently collaborating with Lautoka Hospital and the International Energy Agency on a project to develop a radiotherapy treatment center. He added that a multisectoral team is tasked with reviewing the relevant legislation to ensure it meets international standards, which is essential for the implementation of radiotherapy services in the country.