New radiotherapy centre planned

Fiji is set to establish its first dedicated radiotherapy center, a significant development for cancer patient care. The government has allocated $41 million in the 2026–2027 Budget to fund the construction of this long-awaited facility. This investment is expected to dramatically improve access to life-saving treatments within the country, lessening the burden on patients who previously had to travel abroad for specialized radiotherapy. The World Health Organization highlights the global challenge of childhood cancer, noting that around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed annually, underscoring the critical need for timely diagnosis and accessible, specialized care. Organizations like the Wows Kids Foundation Alumita Seru have welcomed the government's commitment, recognizing the substantial financial and emotional toll that overseas treatment takes on families. The foundation has provided assistance with travel, accommodation, and medical expenses, ensuring children do not miss vital treatments. Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa stated that this investment will bolster Fiji's healthcare infrastructure. The announcement coincides with Cancer Awareness Month, an opportune time to emphasize early detection's role in saving lives.

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Whether it be taxi fare assistance from our homes to the hospital and back, medication assistance, medications that are not available in our hospital, or also stepping in to purchase them in ensuring that our children do not miss out on treatments.