In the 2024/2025 National Budget, the Health sector has been allocated $540 million, with $450 million going to the Ministry of Health and $90 million for the operations and running of Ba and Lautoka hospitals under the Public-Private Partnership.
This marks an increase of over $100 million from the previous Health Budget. The Coalition Government, in collaboration with the Australian Government, has initiated technical work to enhance service delivery by preparing a master plan for the redevelopment or relocation of CWM Hospital.
The Australian Government has contributed $15 million to this initiative and is also in discussions with multilateral partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank regarding future funding options.
Additionally, the Indian Government has granted funds to construct and operate a 100-bed super specialty hospital in Nasinu. Professor Biman Prasad has highlighted that FNPF did not bid to participate in the Aspen project for Ba and Lautoka hospitals, as the previous government directed the Fund to take an 80 percent stake in a new company called Health Care Fiji Pte Limited (HCF).
However, Health Care Fiji has expressed its commitment to work with the government to establish a service agreement.
It is noted that the services of Ba and Lautoka Hospitals cost about $10 million per month or $120 million per year, consuming more than one-fifth of the entire national health budget.
The Ministry of Health budget covers administration, preventive health services, disease control and disaster preparation, health screening, and other aspects. Furthermore, $4 million has been allocated to Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital.
