People can look forward to improved infrastructure at the CWM Hospital as critical upgrade work has begun.
The upgrade has been launched by Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts during the Fiji Health Transformation Summit, held under the theme “The Renewal of Health for a Thriving Fiji”.
In a joint statement, they say the first tranche of works fall under the CWM Hospital Priority Infrastructure Plan and include roofing repairs and upgrades across buildings at CWM Hospital and St. Giles Hospital to address roof leaks and water damage.
They say it also includes comprehensive upgrades to the Acute Patient Ward, including increasing the number of bathrooms and improving accessibility, as well as upgrades to the pantry, staff room, multifunctional room, and sluice rooms.
A new 200,000-litre water tank with filtration and pump systems will also be installed to provide a stable and reliable water supply to buildings that house maternity, gynecology, surgical, orthopedic, internal medicine, and psychiatric health services in the first tranche of works.
The works also include sewer remediation works at the Maternity Building to address blockages.
They say roofing repairs began in November, and the remaining upgrades will continue through to mid-2026.
The joint statement says some impacts to hospital operations are anticipated during this period, but contractors are working closely with hospital management to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum and works are staged appropriately.
They say these works bridge today’s urgent needs at the existing CWM Hospital, with Fiji’s long-term vision for improved health infrastructure, including the new national referral hospital that will pave the way for improved healthcare, modernised services, and an upskilled workforce.
Dr Lalabalavu says the masterplan for a new national hospital is a vital step in their long-term vision for a stronger and more resilient health system.
He says as work progresses on the master plan, these upgrades to the CWM Hospital will improve water security, sanitation, roofing integrity and clinical environments, creating a safer, more reliable facilities for patients and staff.
The Minister says they are grateful for Australia’s partnership as they seek to address today’s pressing health needs and strengthen service delivery while laying the foundations for a new national referral hospital.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts says the initiative demonstrates the depth of the Vuvale Partnership and its focus on improving essential services for communities across Fiji.
He says Australia is proud to support these important upgrades at CWM Hospital and adds this is a practical investment in the wellbeing of communities, and another example of the strong cooperation between Australia and Fiji under the Vuvale Partnership.
Launched in 2025 by the Prime Minister, the CWM Hospital Priority Infrastructure Plan sets out an evidence-based program of critical upgrades required to keep the CWM Hospital operational for the next seven to ten years.
It has been designed so any party, government or donor, can draw on it to identify and progress priority works.
The Australian Government has committed $14.7 million to deliver works identified under the plan, beginning with today’s $6.7 million investment, with additional upgrades to follow.
