Fiji to build first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM

Fiji will establish its first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital as part of a major overhaul of the country's health system under the 2026-2027 National Budget.

The facility, to be built under the $500 million Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation (PHIT) Project, will be equipped with linear accelerator technology and chemotherapy services capable of treating up to 60 patients a day, reducing the country's reliance on overseas referrals. The PHIT project is supported by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and OPEC Fund.

The Government has allocated $647 million to the health sector in the 2026-2027 Budget, including $477 million for the Ministry of Health to fund doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, medicines, medical supplies and biomedical equipment.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said construction of the cancer centre would begin in the coming year.

"Firstly, we will establish Fiji's first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital. Construction will begin in the year ahead, with completion over the following years. The facility will house linear accelerator technology and chemotherapy capacity to treat up to 60 patients daily. This will reduce reliance on overseas referrals and provide lifesaving opportunity to our people."

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the project marked a significant milestone in Fiji's cancer care services.

"It will be the first of its kind in Fiji and the transformation of cancer care is not only about tertiary level care.

"It is about looking at it holistically from screening perspective, right down to treatment, awareness, and it is about transforming regulation, laws and transforming capacity for staffs that will be looking after this facility."

Dr Lalabalavu said the project would also strengthen primary healthcare services through 17 priority health facilities identified under the PHIT project.

"The sector which the initial screening will be done, follow ups will be done in the 17 primary health care facilities that have been identified through the PHIT project.

"So, it is not only about transforming tertiary care with a new therapy centre but it's about transforming cancer care holistically from screening right up to follow-ups, treatment and right up to tertiary care.

"It will not only be a national radiotherapy centre but also a regional referral centre for radiotherapy treatment for cancer care."