Health workers, hospitals top ministry's budget priorities

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says overtime pay for health workers and hospital infrastructure upgrades are among the ministry's top priorities ahead of Friday's 2026-2027 National Budget announcement.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel will deliver the budget in Parliament on June 26.

Today, Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry had made its budget submissions and was awaiting the outcome.

"We will take what's been received, what's been given, and we will work accordingly to ensure that the priority areas are looked after," he said.

He said overtime payments were specifically included in this year's submission, adding that retaining health workers was a key concern.

"We are ensuring that we look after our staff in terms of their welfare so that, by doing so, we can encourage them to stay and work within the country," Dr Lalabalavu said.

He also confirmed the ministry had requested funding for additional staff and that the National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce would be factored into the budget, with support from development partners including Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Lalabalavu said the ministry's submission also covered hospital infrastructure improvements aligned with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Master Plan, as well as improved procurement of medicines and medical equipment.

Last year, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services received $465.6 million in the 2025-2026 National Budget.