Perched on a hillside overlooking Suva Harbour, the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) represents a significant part of Fiji’s historical narrative, serving the community for over a century. Established in 1923 as a dedication to Fijians who fought in World War I, this hospital has withstood various historical events, including visits from British royalty, multiple coups, severe cyclones, and significant earthquakes. It was built to replace the older Colonial Hospital, which relocated to Walu Bay in 1894 after Suva was declared the capital.
The concept for a hospital to honor fallen soldiers was initially proposed by Robert Crompton, a British lawyer and politician; however, it was Sir Henry Marks, a member of the Fiji Legislative Council, who championed the establishment of a central hospital and played a significant role in its funding. At its inception, CWMH was equipped with 108 beds and employed a mix of European and native nurses.
Additionally, CWMH hosts the oldest medical school in the Pacific Islands, founded in 1925 to promote medical education for students from neighboring countries, especially in response to various epidemics.
Currently, CWMH is grappling with critical structural issues identified in a 2019 assessment, which classified six of its buildings as “structurally unsafe and below World Health Organization standards.” These buildings are in dire need of demolition or reconstruction, and many others require urgent repairs. The deterioration of the facility can be traced to inadequate maintenance compounded by natural environmental factors.
In a bid to address these challenges, the Australian government has committed $14.7 million toward a redevelopment master plan designed to modernize CWMH while ensuring that medical services remain uninterrupted. This partnership illustrates the strong ties between Fiji and Australia and their joint effort to enhance Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the proposed improvements at CWMH not only aim to restore the building but also promise to transform Fiji’s healthcare system into a more resilient and effective framework for the future. The collaboration between international partners and local entities brings renewed hope for better healthcare outcomes for the people of Fiji. The investment in this critical facility is likely to play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the Fijian population.
Leave a comment