Residents of Ba are satisfied that the new state-of-the-art Ba Hospital facility will provide better and quality health care services.

The hospital, a Public-Private partnership was opened on Saturday.

Wailailai resident in Ba, Meg Goundar, 69, said the investment provided a great opportunity for them to access better services.

“This is good for the people of Ba and it makes me very happy to know that this hospital is for us,” he said. Navala villager, Alesi Sura, 67, said the environment was a major change for her.

“I want to keep coming to this hospital, there is a nice view, the environment is clean and I can also access the bus just outside the hospital,” said Ms Sura.

The new facility at Clopcott Street is managed by the Health Care (Fiji) Pte Limited, trading as Aspen Medical.

The post natal ward at the brand new Ba Hospital on April 9, 2022. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd is a Public- Private Partnership company formed between the Fiji National Provident Fund and Aspen Medical to manage Lautoka Hospital and Ba Hospital under a contract with the Fijian Government.

Proud Navala villager, Alesi Sura at the new Ba Hospital on April 9, 2022. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

Aspen Medical Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Annette Owttrim said it was an exciting time as Aspen Medical began its transition into the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals.

“The entire team at Aspen Medical has been working hard to ensure a smooth transition.

“We have waited two years to see this day following COVID-19 related delays,” said Ms Owttrim.

“Our collective goal is to improve the quality of health services.”

“We stress that for current services at the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, this will remain free to the public for services that they did not pay for prior to Aspen Medical commencing services where payments were received such as for some medications, this will remain as payment by the patient.”

Previously, the Ba Mission Hospital was providing the residents of Ba with health care services.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj