Tender process advances for new 100-bed hospital

India's grant-funded 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Nasinu has moved into the advanced stages of tendering, with construction expected to begin once the procurement process is completed.

The Indian High Commission confirmed in Suva on Friday that the project — the largest grant-in-aid initiative undertaken by India in the Pacific — is progressing through procurement procedures in India.

Under-Secretary for Technical Cooperation at India's Ministry of External Affairs, Bibhash Lahiri, said a construction team would be deployed to Fiji once the tender process is finalised.

“The tendering process are done at a very advanced stage,” Mr Lahiri said.

“Once this project tendering is done, the team will be here to start the project as soon as possible.”

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.

The hospital will be built on land adjacent to the Fiji National University in Nasinu and will become Fiji's first super-specialty medical facility.

Mr Lahiri said the hospital would operate as a multi-ward facility, with beds allocated across various specialist services, although final configurations are still being determined.

Meanwhile, two dialysis units being donated by India are expected to arrive within the next three to four months. Mr Lahiri confirmed the dialysis units are a separate initiative and not part of the hospital project.

Asked whether the facility would operate as a public or private hospital, Mr Lahiri said that decision had yet to be finalised and would be guided by the priorities of the Fijian Government.

He added that Indian specialists would initially fill key clinical roles, while plans are in place to train Fijian health professionals and gradually transfer responsibilities to local staff over time.