Government has spent over one billion dollars in improving health services for Fijians in the last seven years as it moves towards developing a modern healthcare system.
Funding through increased budgetary allocations has seen major reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Health to the country’s health infrastructure.
As part of health reforms Government has invested close to $160 million in 2012, a further $170 million in 2013, and boosted spending to $222.5m in 2014.
The cornerstones of these reforms are the decentralisation of services to rural and semi urban centers which ultimately offer a cost effective service to all Fijians.
Reforming pharmaceutical services, upgrading medical equipment and facilities as well better pay for medical professionals to deliver the best effective services, are just some of the measures put in place to improve Fiji’s healthcare system
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Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama has recently announced further reforms in the health sector to boost primary health care for Fijians.
This is in line with the Constitution guaranteeing adequate health care to all citizens and the extension of the Sigatoka hospital underpins the efforts of the Government to exploit all avenues towards this end.
In 2014, patients can look forward to improved facilities such as the new and extended hospitals and health centers through major capital projects carried out throughout the country.
This will factor in upgrades to health facilities around the country with $4.9 million for the extension and refurbishment of the CWM hospital’s operating theatre.
Expectant mothers have also been prioritized with the allocation of $3millon for the extension of the CWM maternity unit
while another $600,000 has been provided for the construction of a low risk maternity unit in Makoi and $250,000 for the new Naulu health center.
Health centers in densely populated areas such as Valelevu and Keiyasi will be renovated through a funding of $1millon while a further $2m will be used to construct a new hospital in Nausori that will the populated Suva to Nausori corridor.
Another new hospital will be constructed in Ba at the cost of $7.3m and Lautoka Hospital’s emergency department will be upgraded with a funding of $5.9m.
A further allocation of $1.0 million has been given for the extension of the Sigatoka hospital.
Rural health centers are also in line for major capital works planned for 2014 including a new nursing station in Nagatagata and health centers in Lagi, Cuvu and Waivaka with a sum of $1.9 million allocated for these projects.
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The Government’s health and hospitals investment priorities have included:
· Increased funding for public hospitals- CWM, Lautoka and Labasa
· Invested in hospital emergency departments
· Acted to reduce surgery waiting lists with operating theatre upgrade
· Increased training for nurse supervisors, allied health supervisors and medical supervisors
· Expanded access to training for nurse practitioners and midwives
· Increased incentives for doctors to work in rural and remote communities
· Delivered Health Infrastructure Projects
· Increased intake of doctors and nurses.
· Increased number of vaccination programmes for children
· Revised and modernized outdated Health legislations and policies.
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