Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji

The Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa officiated at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing and the launch of the National Dengue Fever and Other Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for Fiji 2026 – 2027 at the Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
"This evening we gather not just to launch a program, but to take a decisive, collective stand for the health and future of all Fijians," Hon. Ravunawa said.
He added that a mission of this scale cannot be achieved alone.
"Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is truly grateful to the GX Foundation for working in close collaboration with our teams."
Through the immense generosity of the GX Foundation, this program is backed by a contribution of medical supplies and capacity building valued at more than FJD$2 million.
"This is not just a financial investment; it is a life-saving gift of resources and expertise that will empower our frontline workers.
This partnership is intended to move the Ministry beyond mere outbreak response toward building a resilient infrastructure for protecting vulnerable communities."
The proposed project aims to bolster Fiji's control of vector-borne diseases through the donation of 15,000 rapid tests, 6,500 mosquito nets, 6,000 mosquito lamps, and 100,000 fly papers.
The GX Foundation is a Hong Kong-based charitable organization established in 2018 that partners with governments to address critical healthcare needs.

With the alarming increasing rate of HIV / AIDS, the Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa was encouraged to see so many students proudly dressed in red in support of HIV awareness at Delainamasi Government School in Nasinu yesterday.
"Your presence sends a powerful message that young people are prepared to stand together against stigma, discrimination, drug abuse and the spread of HIV," Hon. Ravunawa said as he delivered his remarks yesterday.
Hon.Ravunawa shared HIV/AIDS statistics with the students stating that Fiji is facing two serious challenges that are closely linked — illicit drug use and HIV / AIDS.
In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV cases, a 27 percent increase from the previous year, with many infections occurring among young people aged 15 to 34 years.
"The Ministry also recorded 117 HIV-related deaths, including children, while studies continue to show a strong connection between unsafe injecting drug use and the rapid spread of HIV."
Hon. Ravunawa added that many young people who experiment with drugs are not only risking addiction but are also exposing themselves to life-changing diseases that can affect their health, education, families and future dreams.
"Your life is precious, and your future is worth protecting.
Do not allow anyone to convince you that drugs are cool, harmless or a shortcut to acceptance through peer pressure."

/AIDSAwareness

The Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa visited Nasau Health Centre yesterday.
Nasau HC is one of the most remote rural health facilities in the interior of Ra Province, serving a catchment population of more than 5,000 people.

Hon Ravunawa noticed the successful upgrade of the facility's electrical power supply to the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) grid.
"This is a significant milestone that will greatly enhance healthcare delivery, improve service reliability, and support the operation of essential medical equipment," Hon. Ravunawa said.

During the visit, Hon. Ravunawa had discussions with the staff on several key challenges that require attention, including limited telecommunications network coverage, staffing needs, and the wiring of the backup generator to the main clinic building to ensure uninterrupted services during power outages.
Also, given the difficult terrain and geographical challenges of the area, there is also a clear need for a Land Cruiser ambulance to improve patient access and emergency referrals.
In addition, with the new stable power supply now in place, there were also discussions on the need to expand the mortuary capacity from the current two-berth facility to better meet the needs of the growing population.

"I was encouraged to see the staff in good spirits and fully committed to serving their communities despite the challenges. We will also review the establishment of support staff positions for this important medical area, which includes Nasavu Nursing Station operating under the Nasau Health Centre catchment."

"Vinaka vakalevu to our dedicated healthcare workers who continue to provide quality healthcare services to our rural and maritime communities. Your commitment remains the backbone of our health system," Hon. Ravunawa said.

Aspen Medical Hospital, Ba Visit

Today the Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa had the opportunity to visit Aspen Medical Hospital in Ba, where he was warmly received by Dr. Imtishal and the hospital team.

During the visit, Hon Ravunawa was briefed on the range of services currently being provided to patients and the important role the facility continues to play in delivering healthcare to the people of Ba and surrounding communities.

The team also discussed some of the operational challenges relating to the dispensing of Level 1 and Level 2 medications supplied through the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, and explored practical options to mitigate these issues to ensure timely access to essential medicines for our patients.

Constructive dialogue and strong partnerships are critical to strengthening healthcare delivery.
The Ministry will continue to engage with Aspen Medical and relevant stakeholders to address these challenges and improve patient care outcomes.

Tavua Subdivisional Hospital Visit

Today, the Assistant Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa visited Tavua Subdivisional Hospital and received a comprehensive briefing from the Senior Medical Officer and Nursing Unit Manager on the progress of several key capital projects currently underway.

Hon. Ravunawa was pleased to note that the new mortuary facility is nearing completion and will provide an 6-berth capacity to better serve the people of Tavua and surrounding communities.
He also inspected the newly constructed public convenience facilities, which include showers and wheelchair-accessible amenities, enhancing comfort and accessibility for patients and visitors.

During the visit, Hon. Ravunawa also reviewed the newly installed floor-mounted digital X-ray machine and toured the wards, Dental Outpatient Department (OPD), Specialty Outpatient Department (SOPD), and General Outpatient Department (GOPD).

"It was encouraging to see that all medical equipment and diagnostic machines are fully operational, supporting the delivery of quality healthcare services. Most importantly, I was delighted to witness the positive morale and dedication of our healthcare workers, who continue to serve our communities with commitment and professionalism," Hon. Ravunawa said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better access to quality health services for all Fijians.