Australian-owned Johnstaff International Development (JID) has been awarded the contract to implement the $14.7 million redevelopment master plan for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH). The announcement was made by Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong during a ceremony at the hospital’s Peace Garden following a tour of the Emergency Department, radiology, and Maternity Ward.
Minister Wong addressed the challenges faced by the hospital, including increasing demand for services, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, demographic changes, and the impact of the drug epidemic. She noted that Johnstaff International Development was selected through a competitive procurement process to deliver the master plan in collaboration with GHD, Silver Thomas Hanley, and International SOS Australasia.
Australia is investing $14.7 million for the development of the master plan, which aims to assess Fiji’s future health needs and the necessary workforce and infrastructure for a national referral hospital. Wong emphasized the importance of conducting an urgent engineering assessment of the existing hospital buildings to ensure ongoing service to the people of Fiji during the development and implementation of the master plan.
Wong expressed optimism that the project would enhance healthcare services in Fiji. JID director and acting CEO Alison McKechnie stated that the team would collaborate with sub-consultants to create a master plan that will guide the establishment of a modern and functional national referral hospital. She acknowledged the challenges ahead and the need for extensive consultations while expressing gratitude for the support from the CWM Hospital staff.
Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu also recognized the assistance from the Australian Government, noting the ministry’s appreciation as the project moves forward.