Australian Government Hands Over Health Sector Improvement Program Assets to Ministry of Health

2nd December 2010

The Australian government, through the Australian Agency for International Development, AusAID, has today handed over all Fiji Health Sector Improvement Program (FHSIP) related assets to the Ministry of Health.

The handover, by the Australian High Commission’s Counsellor – Development Cooperation - Ms Sarah Goulding, comes at the end of the Australian government-funded program.

“This hand-over of assets recognizes the strong relationship that has been built up between the Ministry of Health and the Australian government- funded program over the last seven years,” Ms Goulding said. “The assets include vehicles and computing and office equipment which were purchased in order to effectively manage the FHSIP program.”

Ms Goulding paid tribute, during the hand-over, to the late Dr. Vilikesa Rabukawaqa.

“Today’s hand-over is also a realisation of the hard work that he and his team have played a pivotal role in,” she said.

Ms Goulding also announced the handing over of a F$78,000 sea ambulance, the Adi Beti, to the Ministry of Health. The Adi Beti was named by Dr. Vilikesa Rabukawaqa. It will provide people on Taveuni with improved medical transportation and will also be used extensively to transfer much needed medical supplies and equipment to the various health centres on the island.

A total of seven boats have already been commissioned under the FHSIP and are now in use by health centres in the eastern and northern divisions, including Oni-i-Lau and Beqa.

Four more vessels will be provided under the program next year for service in Labasa, Lakeba, Levuka and Vunisea.

With an investment of F$63 million, the seven-year Australian government-funded Fiji Health Sector Improvement Program began in 2003 and lists among its many achievements improved access to and operations of rural health facilities. Improved maritime transportation is a vital part of this work.

Other notable highlights of the program include upgrading work to 90 rural and remote health facilities around the country. The upgrades have included the installation of radio communications and solar panels at the various centres to improve operations and health services for people in rural areas.

Under the program, more than 93 percent of children across the country have received the measles vaccine compared to only 75 percent in 2005.

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