THE National Federation Party member of Parliament Parmod Chand has questioned the decision by Government to enter into a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and an overseas investor to upgrade and manage the Lautoka and Ba hospitals.
While reacting to the 2018-2019 National Budget in Parliament this week, he said the proposed privatisation of Lautoka and Ba hospitals announced by the Attorney-General under PPP confirmed NFP’s firm belief that the FijiFirst Government had failed abysmally to deliver decent and quality medical and health care to the people of Fiji.
“This Government paid little attention to our major hospitals and medical facilities,” he said.
“It did not lack resources, but refused to prioritise improvements to medical and health care.
“The honourable Attorney-General had also announced that Expressions of Interest (EOI) would be called first and further revealed the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) would be one of their partners.
“It is logical to ask why the workers of Fiji whose interest is supposed to be protected by the FNPF have not been consulted.
“Why are the workers’ pockets continually being punched and kicked to cough up more without their consent?”
He said the announcement was another gimmick designed to hoodwink the people ahead of the general election.
Mr Chand also questioned the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“In March, the Attorney-General also announced a National Health Insurance Scheme.
“But it lacks merit in the face of massive failures by the Bainimarama regime and the FijiFirst Government, resulting in severe deterioration of delivery of health services and medical care.”
