In a recent proposal presented during the National budget consultation held at the Lautoka Girmit Centre, business executive Shaukat Ali has encouraged the government to explore more public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance service delivery. Ali suggested innovative financing models, such as a build, rent, and buy option for essential services like a new Kadavu Hospital and a drug rehabilitation center.
He emphasized that if public funding is insufficient, attracting private investments could mitigate costs and speed up the establishment of these facilities. “If the government is unable to provide the necessary funds, let’s collaborate with private investors,” Ali stated, proposing a timeframe of 10 to 15 years for these investments, ensuring immediate service provision rather than delays.
Biman Prasad, the Finance Minister, acknowledged the necessity of careful management of such partnerships to avoid pitfalls like those experienced in previous collaborations with private entities, particularly in health infrastructure projects. He noted the importance of maintaining a balance between profit motives of private players and the delivery of quality services to the public.
Linking to earlier discussions, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has highlighted both the challenges and advancements stemming from the existing PPP model in the health sector. While improvements have been made, addressing governance and operational issues remains crucial for the success of these initiatives. Recent feedback from the Lautoka and Ba Hospital projects indicates that, despite existing concerns about equity and access, many residents appreciate the enhanced healthcare services provided.
The government’s ongoing commitment to refining these partnerships aims to create a more effective model that ensures better healthcare outcomes for all citizens. This approach signifies a hopeful trajectory for Fijian healthcare, as collaboration between public and private sectors can yield substantial improvements in service delivery and infrastructure.
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