Fiji is set to sign a landmark agreement with India that will improve the supply of affordable medicines, enhancing healthcare accessibility across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, announced the initiative during the fijivillage Straight Talk segment with Vijay Narayan, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s ongoing medicine shortages.
Earlier in February 2025, Fiji and India strengthened their bilateral ties Prof. Prasad, met with India’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, during a courtesy call.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong historical and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prof. Prasad welcomed High Commissioner Mehta and emphasised Fiji’s commitment to working closely with India on shared priorities.
“Fiji and India have a special bond that spans 145 years. Our bilateral relations continue to grow, particularly in areas such as health, education, digital transformation, and regional cooperation.”
Key discussions focused on India’s ongoing support for Fiji, including the development of a 100-bed Super-Specialty Cardiology Hospital and digital transformation initiatives.
Prof. Prasad highlighted the significance of India’s contributions, stating,
“India is a reliable partner in strengthening the international order and supporting Small Island Developing States like Fiji.”
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, with H.E. Mehta expressing India’s readiness to support Fiji’s development agenda.
Prof. Prasad acknowledged that previous strategies had not been the most effective but assured the public that the government has now recognised what needs to be done. As part of this renewed approach, Fiji will finalise a pharmacopeia agreement with India, allowing for the procurement of cost-effective medicines with greater efficiency.
The move coincides with the upcoming visit of the Minister for Health to India, where the agreement is expected to be signed. This will mark a significant step in ensuring a steady and affordable supply of essential drugs to Fiji’s health sector.
This is not the first time India has stepped in to support Fiji’s healthcare system. In 2021, Fiji received 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from India as part of the Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative. This contribution played a crucial role in Fiji’s national vaccination programme and COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had commended India’s global efforts in vaccine distribution, stating,
“Through Vaccine Maitri, India is adding the missing piece of equity to the COVID equation.”
Since its launch, the initiative has provided over 60 million vaccine doses to 76 developing nations.
India’s commitment to Fiji’s healthcare system has extended beyond vaccines. In August 2023, India donated a consignment of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs worth over FJ$280,000 to support HIV patients in Fiji. The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva, was attended by then High Commissioner P.S. Karthigeyan, Minister for Health Dr Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
High Commissioner Karthigeyan had reaffirmed India’s dedication to Fiji’s healthcare sector, recalling previous ARV drug donations in 2021 and 2022. He highlighted India’s leading role in providing generic medicines globally, particularly in the fight against HIV. Minister Lalabalavu expressed gratitude to India, acknowledging the crucial role these medications play amid rising HIV cases in Fiji. Additionally, the consignment included a limited supply of tuberculosis medicines, delivered as grant assistance to bolster Fiji’s medical resources.
During his visit to Fiji in August 2024, Indian President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed this long-standing relationship, stating in Parliament,
“Despite the physical distance between us, we have always had a close bond. No wonder, in times of need, we have been among the first to respond.”
As Fiji prepares to sign its new medicine procurement agreement with India, the future looks promising for improved healthcare access.
This collaboration underlines the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations in improving healthcare services. The strong historical and strategic ties between India and Fiji continue to shape healthcare cooperation. With 38% of Fiji’s population being of Indian descent, experts believe this relationship is further strengthened by shared cultural and diplomatic bonds.
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