Efforts to modernise Fiji's 90-year-old public health legislation should be closely aligned with disaster management plans, rural development policies and community-level coordination systems.
This has been highlighted by Divisional Commissioner and Acting Deputy Secretary for Rural, Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Josefa Navuku to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs who says the review of the Public Health Act is welcomed by the Ministry but the reforms must take into account the realities and needs of rural communities.
Navuku says the Ministry will provide a comprehensive submission within the next fortnight after completing consultations with four Divisional Commissioners and 14 Provincial Offices.
He told the committee that one of the key issues for consideration is ensuring the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill aligns with the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024, which guides responses to both natural and national disasters.
Navuku also highlighted the significance of the reforms for the Ministry's major programmes, including rural housing, water and sanitation initiatives, and says any changes should be harmonised with policies affecting rural communities.
He notes that the Ministry is currently developing Fiji's first National Rural Development Policy following a review of the Integrated Rural Development Framework introduced in 2009.
According to Navuku, the findings from the Public Health Amendment process could help shape the new policy and strengthen development outcomes in rural and maritime areas.
He also called for the Ministry to be represented in any national and sub-national public health coordination mechanisms established under the amended legislation.
Navuku says the Ministry's extensive network through Divisional Commissioners, Provincial Offices, District Advisory Councillors and provincial structures places it in a strong position to support public health implementation and coordination across the country.
Meanwhile, committee member Aliki Bia sought clarification on whether the proposed National Rural Development Policy would replace the existing Integrated Rural Development Framework.
Navuku confirmed that the policy is being developed from the findings of the framework's review and is intended to improve coordination of rural development efforts across Government agencies and stakeholders.
Bia suggested that consideration be given to passing the Public Health Amendment Bill before integrating its provisions into the new rural development policy framework, ensuring alignment between future legislation, policies and regulations.
The Public Health Amendment Bill is currently under review as part of efforts to modernise Fiji's public health laws and improve the delivery of health services nationwide.
