Australia Confirms $14.5m Upgrade Works at CWM Hospital

The Australian High Commission, Fiji has moved to correct misinformation circulating online about upgrade works at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, confirming that major repairs and improvements are already underway.

In a fact-check statement, the High Commission said Australia committed FJD $14.5 million (AUD $10 million) in January 2025 to deliver critical upgrades at CWM Hospital, while Fiji plans and designs a new national referral hospital.

The High Commission said it is working closely with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and CWM Hospital staff to prioritise urgent infrastructure needs. Local architects, engineers, and contractors have been engaged to scope and deliver the works.

Under the first phase of the project, valued at FJD $6.7 million, several upgrades are currently underway. These include roofing repairs at CWM Hospital and St Giles Hospital, improvements to acute patient wards, construction of a new 200,000-litre water tank with filtration and pump systems, and sewer remediation works at the maternity building.

The High Commission said the works are scheduled to run between December 2025 and June 2026, depending on the project component.

Planning for the second phase of upgrades, valued at FJD $7.8 million, is also underway in partnership with the Ministry of Health and CWM Hospital, with further updates to be shared once finalised.

The Australian High Commission said the project is part of the Vuvale Partnership, aimed at strengthening essential services, uplifting communities, and building a more resilient health system in Fiji.

The High Commission has urged the public to rely on verified sources for accurate updates on the CWM Hospital upgrade works.