A significant step has been taken to enhance healthcare services in Fiji with the allocation of funds for 27 high-priority projects at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. This initiative comes under the newly introduced CWM Priority Infrastructure Project Plan (PIP) Report, which aims to dramatically improve the national hospital’s infrastructure.
Initially, the PIP development process highlighted 355 potential infrastructure projects, which were then narrowed down to a shortlist of 189. Following this, development partners meticulously selected 27 key projects deemed essential for urgent implementation, with a total estimated cost of approximately $63.5 million.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who spoke at the launch event, stressed the vital nature of the PIP as a strategic framework designed to bolster Fiji’s healthcare system. “The PIP provides us with a road-map for the investments we need to make to safeguard our national hospital,” he articulated. He also expressed gratitude to the Australian government for contributing an additional $14.5 million towards these critical upgrades.
The PIP is not just a short-term fix; it seeks to address immediate maintenance challenges while establishing a foundation for a comprehensive long-term master plan in collaboration with Australia. Key facilities slated for upgrades include the dental clinic, children’s hospital, and maternity ward, among others. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that essential healthcare services remain uninterrupted, which is crucial for the well-being of all Fijians.
With these projects now prioritized, the initiative sets the groundwork for a substantial enhancement in the healthcare offerings of Fiji’s largest hospital, promising to deliver improved medical services and better health outcomes for the community.
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