The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva is set to enhance its medical services significantly, thanks to a $14.7 million investment from Australia. This funding, announced by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during her visit to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Meeting, will support the redevelopment master plan for the hospital.
Minister Wong recognized the urgent need for improvements at CWM Hospital and described Australia’s investment as a critical step toward establishing a state-of-the-art medical center. The plan aims to ensure continuous service during the redevelopment process, which is projected to take 12 to 14 months, under the guidance of Australian firm JohnStaff International Development.
Wong expressed confidence that the master plan will address Fiji’s future health requirements, enhancing both workforce capabilities and infrastructure for national referral services. She highlighted the importance of immediate assessments of the hospital’s current structure to enable ongoing operations during the renovations.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised Australia for its timely support, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two nations. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed that the agreement for the master plan has been finalized and discussed the challenges of providing continuous services amid reconstruction efforts.
Alison McKechnie, CEO of the winning tender, emphasized that implementing the redevelopment master plan would prioritize delivering high-quality healthcare for Fijians, showcasing the robust relationship between the Fijian Government and Australia. The initiative is seen as a pivotal moment in transforming the future of healthcare in Fiji.