Reliable electricity has finally reached the Lomaloma Subdivisional Hospital on Vanuabalavu, as the facility now operates on a newly installed solar power system; the largest of its kind in any healthcare setting in Fiji.

The milestone marks a major leap toward sustainable energy and improved healthcare delivery for one of the country’s most remote communities, ending years of reliance on diesel generators and frequent power outages.

The project was implemented by CBS Power Solutions in partnership with the Biomedical team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. A scoping exercise was conducted earlier this year, followed by final assessments in June before installation began.

Acting Subdivisional Medical Officer Lomaloma, Dr. Krishan Prasad, said the 24-hour power supply will greatly enhance medical services, especially during emergencies at night.

“It will reduce dependency on oxygen cylinders as we can utilise oxygen concentrator machines to give nebs and oxygen to patients in need. This will help reduce the carbon emissions from the diesel generator,” he explained.

Funded through the Manaaki grant by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) under the Fiji Oxygen Program, the initiative is supported by Cure Kids Fiji, a long-standing partner of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

With this new solar power system, Lomaloma Hospital and its surrounding nursing stations are set to deliver more efficient, sustainable, and life-saving healthcare; powered entirely by clean energy.