People can hope for better facilities as the Valelevu Health Centre as the Ministry of Health is now looking at a major structural refurbishment, combined with a new facility that can sustain the high demand for health services in the area.
Responding to Opposition MP Virendra Lal in Parliament, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the refurbishment and upgrade is part of a comprehensive long-term framework under the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project.
He says the upgrade is aligned with the newly approved six-year Health Transformation Initiative, which focuses on addressing long-term capacity needs rather than providing temporary fixes.
He says the Ministry acknowledges that the current facility is severely congested and lacks adequate space, with overcrowding affecting the delivery of services.
He says service continuity planning will also be important as Valelevu Health Centre serves a high volume of patients every day.
The Minister says the Ministry is actively assessing alternative options for clinical service delivery during the disruptive phases of construction.
He says digital health delivery options are also being considered to help maintain services during the upgrade.
Dr Lalabalavu says the renovation will be a major overhaul of the Valelevu Health Centre and will take time to complete.
He adds that temporary sites will also be considered to ensure health services can continue while construction work is underway.
