The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital Redevelopment Project marked a major milestone today with the official launch of its Clinical Services Plan, a roadmap guiding the future of healthcare delivery at Fiji’s largest hospital.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, confirmed that a master-planning team began work last week, engaging directly with CWM’s clinical and management teams to shape the hospital’s future services.

Minister Lalabalavu also noted that while planning is underway for the new hospital facility, significant improvements will begin to take shape within the existing structure. These include urgent upgrades such as repairing leaking roofs and improving the hospital’s water supply system.

“These enhancements are being undertaken as part of Australia’s Priority Infrastructure Plan, initiated earlier this year with support from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia’s former High Commissioner to Fiji,” the Minister said.

Dr Lalabalavu also acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support under the Vuvale Partnership, congratulating Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election.

In a further boost to Fiji’s health sector, Senator Wong announced a new commitment of FJD $5.7 million from the Australian Government to support Fiji’s HIV Response Plan. The funding will strengthen national disease surveillance systems, improve access to testing, and expand community-led prevention and treatment initiatives.

The redevelopment of CWM Hospital is part of broader efforts to modernise Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure, improve patient care, and strengthen resilience across the sector.