New Australian Government-Funded Nursing Station Opens at Loma

Media Release

New Australian Government-funded Nursing Station opens at Loma

4 May 2011

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner in Fiji, Ms Judith Robinson, today opened a new nursing station for Fiji’s Ministry of Health, in Loma, Sigatoka.

Funded by the Australian Government, the new complex replaces the old nursing station which was located within the flood plain of the Sigatoka River. The old nursing station sustained extensive damage from the January 2009 floods and had to be demolished.

Built at a cost of FJD$400,000 the new Loma Nursing Station complex is situated on higher ground. It also includes new accommodation quarters to enable the nursing station to be permanently staffed.

Following the January 2009 floods in the Western, Northern and Central divisions, Australia committed an initial FJD$1.7 million towards emergency relief and a further FJD$3.4 million towards recovery and reconstruction projects. Speaking at today’s hand-over ceremony Ms Robinson said the Loma Nursing Station’s new site will make it easier for mothers and their children to access health services.

“This new nursing station will provide essential health services to the people of Loma, Narewa, Nasovatava, Naduri, Nakalavo and Nakabuta,” Ms Robinson said. “Given its location on higher ground, it will also be able to continue to provide services in times of natural disasters, especially in this area of Sigatoka which is flood prone.”

Ms Robinson also revealed that Australia is currently tendering for a new Fiji Bilateral Health Program which will build on past support to the Ministry of Health. “ This new program will focus on Maternal Health and Child Health, Diabetes prevention and revitalising Primary Health care.

“ The Australian Government looks forward to continuing its assistance and partnership with the Ministry of Health in our combined efforts to ensure the people of Fiji have access to improved health services,” Ms Robinson said.

**ENDS**