Budget shows Govt’s intent for improving health services and tackling health challenges of our time – Dr Lalabalavu

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the 2025/2026 National Budget provides a clear pathway and direction on the Government's intent for improving health services and tackling the health challenges of our time.

While speaking in support of the budget, Dr Lalabalavu says every dollar allocated to the Ministry must translate into cleaner clinics, better medicines, empowered health workers, and healthier communities.

He says the Ministry is ready to move ahead, guided by values of service, equity, accountability, and care.

The Minister highlighted that it is estimated that 7,000 Fijians are now living with HIV, and the ongoing upward trend is deeply concerning.

He acknowledges that $10 million has been allocated in this budget specifically to contain the spread of HIV, and also the support from our partners.

He says we must break the stigma and empower communities with accurate information and stop discrimination to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to prevention, care and treatment.

He calls on everyone not to discriminate against those with HIV infection, but to help them and support them to get the care that they need so that they can continue to be productive members of our community.

The Minister also stressed that a key part of their reform agenda is modernising Fiji's health laws, and this financial year, they are pushing ahead with a review of critical health regulations, with several anticipated to be submitted to Cabinet by the end of this calendar year.

The Minister says renovation work of Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu has commenced, and the renovations of Taveuni Hospital will follow soon.

He says that the Duavata Partnership with the New Zealand Government resulted in sponsored renovations of primary health care facilities, a newly built Nadogo Health Centre, and the nurse quarters at Maumi Nursing Station.

Dr Lalabalavu says the Ministry also supports the critical reform of the removal of R, or requisition to incur expenditure, under the direct control of the Permanent Secretary.

He says this shift strengthens oversight, transparency and responsiveness.

He adds that this should further improve the implementation of projects by allocating funds in a timely manner.