Executive director of Diabetes Fiji, Kini Marawa, said feedback from communities indicated that diabetic consumables were in short supply at health centres and clinics across the country.

The Health Ministry has established a special unit to address the HIV outbreak and develop measures to reduce transmission.

Dr Zahin said addiction was not simply a criminal issue but a health issue that often stemmed from deeper personal struggles.

Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said earlier this year that Fiji had completed its side of the process and that the project was now with the Indian Government.

Mr Lahiri said Fiji can now access Indian medicines at significantly lower prices and that a wide range of medicines are already coming into the country through India’s supply chain.

Indian official says investments in education and women's empowerment improved family health outcomes.