President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu addressed health leaders at the Fiji Health Transformation Summit in Suva, emphasizing the necessity of genuine investment in healthcare, particularly for the underprivileged. He articulated that prioritizing healthcare is not only a moral obligation but also a political necessity.
During his speech, he highlighted that prioritizing healthcare on the national agenda involves making tough decisions regarding the allocation of resources to other sectors, such as law enforcement, drug prevention, and small business support. Lalabalavu underscored the continuous demand for resources from hospitals, noting that “a hospital is like a shark with its mouth wide open, ready to chew whatever comes before it.” This vivid analogy illustrates the relentless needs of healthcare facilities as communities rely heavily on them.
He urged policymakers to envision a future health system that truly caters to the populace, stating, “Let the people come first. Bring in the poor — that is what will guarantee the next government remains in government.” This call to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable reiterates an essential aspect of effective governance and social responsibility.
The President concluded that the work stemming from the summit aims to map out a health system that adequately serves all Fijians, thereby reinforcing a vision of inclusive healthcare for the nation. This focus on building a sustainable and equitable health system offers a hopeful outlook for the future of Fiji’s healthcare landscape.
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