THE interim Government is looking at privatising the Lautoka Hospital.
Interim Health Minister Doctor Jiko Luveni yesterday confirmed ministry officials were looking at such a proposal.
Dr Luveni said the proposal was still in the discussion stage but admitted if approved, the process could begin by the end of the year.
But, she stressed privatisation of the hospital would not take place until full consultations were held with all stakeholders.
Dr Luveni said privatisation of the hospital could see the facility being equipped with specialised and state-of-the-art equipment.
She said privatisation would attract medical expertise from abroad and would ultimately lead to improved standards of service.
She said if privatised, a foreign organisation could take over operations at the facility.
Dr Luveni dismissed claims India's Apollo Hospitals, which is in building a specialist hospital on the Lautoka golf course site, could take over operations at the country's second largest hospital.
Dr Luveni said the interim government was determined to see that the people of Fiji were provided with the very best standard of health care.
Lautoka Chamber of Commerce president Natwarlal Vagh supported the proposal, saying the move was long overdue.
He said the standard of service and facilities at the hospital needed urgent intervention.
Mr Vagh said last week they had told interim Commerce Minister Tom Ricketts at least $3- million was needed to refurbish Lautoka Hospital.
"It is a very good idea. While it might mean that people will have to fork out a little more money, the move is necessary because the facilities are in a deplorable state," said Mr Vagh.
Sugar Cane Growers Council chairman Jain Kumar backed the move, saying it would mean the people of the Western Division had access to better medical care.
Mr Kumar said it was good to know the Government would make provisions to cater for the needs of the poor and under-privileged.
Fiji Cane Growers Association general secretary Bala Dass expressed reservation at the plan.
He said the high cost associated with privatised health care was evident with he Suva Private Hospital, which had become a "rich man's" hospital.
Mr Dass said instead of privatisation, government should just fulfill its responsibility by proper maintenance of facilities and improving services.
Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenavanua national director Peceli Kinivuwai said he would comment later.
