President promises better health delivery

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has assured that Government is prioritising healthcare access for all Fijians, and more would be done this New Year.

While delivering his address at the opening of the new Parliament year yesterday, Ratu Naiqama said healthcare and education would continue to be at the forefront of Government’s policies.

He said Government was exploring options of recruiting foreign health workers to fill critical areas where there was a shortage.

“Health and medical care delivery needs a massive overhaul and Government has embarked on rehabilitative and progressive work in this regard,” Ratu Naiqama said.

“Beginning with a fresh coat of paint on the walls of our public medical facilities, work is also progressing on equipping the divisional hospitals with up-to-date diagnostic facilities.

“Medicine procurement procedures have been reviewed and are being improved. We will continue expanding access to quality medical services and modernise healthcare facilities across the nation.

“No longer is moss growing on the walls of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. No longer is a washroom door at the CWM tied with an IV tube and requiring 18 months to be repaired and for this we value the voluntary assistance provided by our own citizens who contribute to organisations like the International Women’s Association. This is a perfect example of patriotism.”

He said development partners, in particular Australia played a leading role in ensuring Fiji has modern public health care and medical care delivery facilities, beginning with a masterplan for CWMH.

“The Indian government’s construction of a 100-bed super specialty hospital will begin soon. This is work in progress, much is being done and much more will be done.”

Ratu Naiqama said there would be reviews of the Nursing Act, Radiation Health Act and he Out of Port Clearance Fees under the Quarantine Act.

“In addition, legislative frameworks for the Fiji Red Cross and Medical Laboratory Services in Fiji will be established. Government remains committed to addressing the significant challenges posed by the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which impose a substantial burden on our citizens and the economy.”

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