Health bill to shape rural development

Fiji's proposed Public Health Amendment Bill is being positioned as a transformative reform with the potential to reshape disaster preparedness and rural development. The legislation's scope extends beyond public health, promising significant impacts on housing, water, sanitation, and broader development programs in rural communities.

Josefa Navuku, Acting Deputy Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development, stated that the Ministry is currently reviewing the bill and gathering feedback from its divisional and provincial offices. He emphasized that the proposed amendments should align with the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024 to enhance coordination during emergencies. Navuku noted that the bill provides guidance for both natural and national disasters.

Committee member Aliki Bia inquired about the National Rural Development Policy (NRDP), asking if it would replace the 2009 Rural Development Framework. Navuku confirmed that the NRDP is under development, based on a review of the 2009 framework. A consultant has been engaged, and a change management process is underway to guide the review. The Ministry believes that the public health reforms should be integrated into Fiji's first National Rural Development Policy.

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Because this is a new Act for the Ministry, and it provides guidance not only for natural disasters, but national disasters as well. Going forward, during the next three to four months as we discuss the amendments, one of the Acts we would kindly request be considered is the spirit and the clauses of the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024.