the World Health Organization's Regional Director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai [left] with the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

Fiji’s progress in delivering better health outcomes for its citizens has been lauded by the World Health Organization’s Regional Director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai.

During a meeting in Suva, the Attorney-General provided a broad update on developments in Fiji’s health sector, including Fiji’s strategies to leverage the expertise of the private sector by liberalizing different sectors of the economy.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made specific mention of the new public-private partnership between the government and Australian healthcare company, Aspen Medical.

He stressed that this will dramatically improve the healthcare facilities and services available at the Ba and Lautoka Hospitals.

The AG also informed Kasai about the Government’s plans to increase the accessibility of general practitioners in rural, historically underserved, areas of the country.

The AG went on to outline the Government’s strategy to climate-proof health facilities, as part of the nationwide effort to build resilience across networks of infrastructure and strengthen Fiji’s capacity to face worsening climatic impacts.

The two men also explored a number of emerging opportunities for cooperation in health sector in tackling the major health challenges faced by the Fijians.