THE women's medical ward of Lautoka Hospital has been given a fresh new look after private and public stakeholders came together to give the ward a much-needed facelift.
The ward which was visited by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during his post-Cyclone Evan tour was in dire need of a refurbishment for its 39 patients.
Lautoka special administrator Praveen Bala said the directive to renovate the ward came from the Prime Minister after his visit.
"He asked the Commissioner Western's office and my office to get the private sector involved to do the refurbishments and I am very happy that the private sector came on board to assist us," said Mr Bala.
"Businesses like APCO Coating, Vinod Patel, Metal Works, Punja and Sons and P. Meghji came forward to help us with this project." Mr Bala said this was a good example of public, private partnership in which public and private stakeholders worked together for a good cause.
He said more businesses had also pledged support for other projects for the hospital.
"This is the first of many refurbishments that we plan to do for the hospital.
"There are other hospital wings that we would like to renovate in the not-too-distant future and for that other businesses have agreed to come on board to help us."
Mr Bala urged members of the private sector to assist in renovating the hospital.
"This is a divisional hospital, meaning, it is not only for the people of Lautoka, it is for all of the people in the Western Division and I am urging those businesses here in the west to come forward and help us upgrade and improve this hospital."