FIJI’S Ministry of Health completed a three-day transformation summit earlier last week to finalise a strategic plan for 2026–2031, informed by extensive data and stakeholder input.
The summit engaged over 200 stakeholders, including learning institutions, NGOs, donor partners such as ADB and the World Bank, and governments such as India and China, to ensure broad participation in shaping the next five-year plan.
“The plan addresses persistent gaps identified over 16 years, especially in workforce and budget utilisation despite increased funding,” said Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services.
“The Ministry aims to be proactive within government rules to manoeuvre budget constraints effectively, and this inclusive approach ensures implementation ownership at every level, not just leadership.”
He said the final plan will be submitted for Cabinet approval, marking a key milestone in formal adoption.
“Workforce challenges remain critical, with attrition both locally and overseas limiting program execution.
“The Ministry recognises push factors like poor housing, unreliable water, and electricity as key retention barriers.
“Pull factors like better pay and conditions abroad are acknowledged but cannot be matched currently.”
Lalabalavu said the plan includes improving workplace environments to reduce attrition and boost staff retention.
“NGOs and development partners will fill some gaps to support the Ministry’s efforts.”
Communication and awareness of the strategic plan will be expanded, with cascading to health centres and nursing stations mandated.
“This effort counters past evaluations showing low awareness of the plan beyond top leadership.
“A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system will track progress and impact across divisions.
“Core messages will be tailored to different stakeholders while ensuring a broad understanding of goals, and this approach aims to align all staff with the strategic direction for stronger, coordinated action.”
Infrastructure Improvement and Master Plan
The Ministry launched a Priority Improvement Plan (PIP) to upgrade hospital infrastructure, ensuring continued functionality while a long-term master plan is developed.
The PIP, supported by the Australian High Commission, targets urgent upgrades at CWM and St Giles hospitals, focusing on roofing, water, sanitation, and fire safety improvements.
He added this plan preserves existing infrastructure standards to maintain hospital operations during master plan development.
“Funding and technical support come from DFAT and Australian governmental bodies.
“Initial works have commenced on key infrastructure elements to prevent service disruptions, and the master plan will guide future hospital development beyond these immediate fixes.”
The master plan’s strategic significance is reinforced by its inclusive design and broad stakeholder buy-in, offering continuity across political changes.
The plan reflects comprehensive input to ensure it survives government transitions, including upcoming elections.
“I want it to be an inclusive strategic plan. Even if there is a change in government or a new leader takes office, they must recognise that the current plan reflects the participation of all relevant stakeholders within the ministry.
“It’s not just about the policy or direction; it’s based on input from all stakeholders. I hope whoever comes in considers this, continues, and builds on it.”
Ongoing funding support from ADB and DFAT is expected to continue, enabling steady progress, the master plan frames hospital modernisation as a multi-year investment critical to health service quality.