Australia Gives $940K to Strengthen Clinic Services in Fiji and Pacific

The Australian government has given AU$600,000 (FJ$940,000) to strengthen specialised clinical services and improve health workforce development in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

The agreement was signed between the Fiji National University (FNU) vice-chancellor, Nigel Healey, and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes at the FNU Nasinu campus in Valelevu, Nasinu, on Thursday.

The agreement will see FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences working with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Pacific Community (SPC) towards achieving the overall goals of improving basic secondary health care in Pacific Island countries that is affordable, accessible, of good quality and appropriate to local needs.

Mr Healey said the training of doctors, dentists and nurses was expensive.

“The tuition fees paid by Fijian students do not cover the costs of provision, which is why 50 per cent of our revenue comes in the form of a government grant,” Mr Healey said.

“We all know that the Pacific faces particular issues like obesity, heart disease and Type II diabetes.

“The demand for health services is growing much faster than our ability to pay for them, and the contribution that the Australian Government makes to the region’s capacity is critical for the health status of future generations,” Mr Healey said.

Mr Feakes said many had made their mark in their countries, alleviating the pain and suffering of their fellow citizens and preventing ill health, notable among these were non-communicable diseases.

“Others have contributed to the development and strengthening of health systems, and even to global health,” Mr Feakes said.

“Supporting a healthy, productive Pacific population is in Australia’s interests and we continue to invest in health as an enabler of participation in education and employment, and contributes to the region’s growth.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj