Strengthening public health infrastructure in Fiji

Background

Aspen Medical is delivering a 23-year public–private partnership with the Government of Fiji to upgrade, operate and maintain Lautoka Hospital and Ba Sub-Divisional Hospital. Together, these facilities provide around 400 inpatient beds to serve more than 365,000 people in the Western Division. The partnership aims to modernise infrastructure, improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for overseas medical referrals by expanding the availability of specialist services.  

We have upgraded both Ba and Lautoka Hospitals and are currently finalising the design for a new build to redevelop the layout and expand services at Lautoka Hospital, the second largest in the country. These two hospitals are dramatically improving healthcare delivery and have enabled the introduction of advanced medical services, including Fiji’s first ever open-heart surgeries. 

Approach

Key elements of our approach include: 

• delivery of enhanced services in cardiothoracic surgery, intensive care, oncology and medical imaging 
• refurbishment and commissioning of critical infrastructure, including catheter labs, operating theatres, ED triage and MRI facilities 
• implementation of governance systems covering asset management, procurement, incident reporting and quality control 
• recruitment, onboarding and development of more than 900 local healthcare professionals 
• strategic partnerships with local universities and health bodies to strengthen workforce capability. 

Results

• Completed commissioning and full operational transition of Ba Hospital. 
• Around 220 patients treated via new cardiothoracic surgical program. 
• More than 1,000 patients referred to specialist cardiac services. 
• Installation of new MRI, cardiac catheter lab and lab information systems. 
• Launch of 3D mammography, digital radiology and upgraded ICU beds. 
• Enhanced diagnostics and patient monitoring across both hospitals. 
• Reduced hospital-acquired infections and ventilator-related pneumonia. 
• Improved patient safety through critical care upgrades and infection control. 
• Formal partnerships with universities and cancer societies for staff development. 
• Hospital kitchens certified ‘A Grade’ and catering services introduced. 
• More than 900 local healthcare workers transitioned and trained under Aspen Medical’s clinical governance system. 

Outcome

Aspen Medical is helping transform Fiji’s public health system through long-term investment and collaborative partnership. People in the Western Division now have improved access to advanced care, including complex surgical procedures delivered locally, for the first time. Hospital infrastructure and clinical equipment across both sites meet international standards, while healthcare workers benefit from structured training and professional development. 

By embedding new systems, upgrading critical infrastructure and introducing advanced services, Aspen Medical is improving clinical outcomes and patient experience. Together with the Fijian Government, we are building a modern, inclusive and resilient health system designed to meet the evolving needs of the community—now and into the future.