Former Fiji deputy prime minister and National Federation Party (NFP) leader Prof. Biman Prasad has welcomed progress on the proposed India-backed super-specialty hospital in Nasinu, describing the project as a major opportunity to strengthen healthcare services across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Fiji is now awaiting the Indian Government’s next move on the planned 100-bed facility after local authorities confirmed they had completed their side of the process.
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the project was currently with the Government of India as the tendering phase moves towards finalisation.
“We’ve done our part, now it’s with the Government of India.”
He acknowledged the process had taken time because much of the tendering and administrative work was being handled in India rather than Fiji.
“It is not handled specifically here in Fiji, but rather in India. So, it is a long process, and one will just have to be patient until they complete the process,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
The proposed hospital will be built in Nasinu near Fiji National University (FNU) and was first announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea in 2023.
Once completed, the facility is expected to become Fiji’s first super-specialty hospital, providing advanced cardiology and specialist medical services to patients from Fiji and neighbouring Pacific nations.
Prof. Prasad thanked India for its ongoing support and said the hospital could significantly improve healthcare access for ordinary Fijians.
“This is an important development for Fiji and one that has the potential to significantly strengthen healthcare services for our people.”
He added that this project could reduce the financial burden faced by families forced to travel overseas for specialist treatment while also delivering long-term benefits for future generations.
“A modern super-specialty hospital can improve access to specialist healthcare, reduce the financial burden on families seeking treatment overseas, and create long-term benefits for future generations.”
The hospital is also expected to support Fiji’s ambitions of becoming a regional medical tourism hub and is being regarded as one of the country’s most significant planned healthcare infrastructure projects in recent years.
Officials say the facility will provide specialised cardiology and advanced medical services that are currently limited or unavailable within Fiji and many Pacific Island nations.
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