Business

Fiji’s first ever Public-Private partnership signed

January 18, 2019 7:46 am

A concession agreement was signed between the government and Healthcare Fiji Private Limited in Suva yesterday afternoon.

This is part of Fiji’s Public Private Partnership to develop, upgrade, equip and operate the Ba and Lautoka hospitals to meet international standards.

Healthcare Fiji Private Limited – a partnership between an Australian company – Aspen Medical that was awarded the project will work together with the Fiji National Provident Fund – as major investors for the two hospitals.

Article continues after advertisement

Group Chief Executive, Bruce Armstrong says national health capability development and capacity building will be at the forefront of this partnership.

When asked by FBC News on what plans are in place following the signed agreement, Armstrong says they will use at least the first three months as an observation period.

“We will be forming one team with the staff who are there at the moment to make our plans on how this will be delivered in the best and most efficient way and the quickest way. We expect that will go for maybe about three months after we get started on that and once we have a plan than we will be well into it and we will commence the project and we will be carrying out all of those improvements and development that we have seen and identified during that observation period.”

Armstrong adds that once this is done then they have a timeline of three years for construction.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has reiterated that Healthcare Private Limited will be 80% owned by the FNPF and 20% by Aspen Medical.

“This does not in any way mean any job losses, it means the engagement of the staff that are there have the option to work for Healthcare Fiji Limited or alternatively they can join other Public healthcare facilities outside Lautoka and Ba.”

He adds the current health care services which Fijians do not pay any fees for at the two hospitals will continue.