India has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Global South by sending a consignment of Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) drugs to Fiji. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that this shipment will strengthen Fiji’s public health programme and boost cooperation in healthcare between both nations.
In August, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Both leaders held comprehensive talks on bilateral relations and discussed global and regional issues. They agreed to expand collaboration in defence, health, agriculture, trade, culture, and education.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia, which will help Fiji access affordable medicines. He also reiterated India’s plan to help establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras (People’s Pharmacies) in Fiji to provide low-cost generic drugs.
PM Modi further announced that India would build a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva. Dialysis units, sea ambulances, and Jaipur Foot camps will also be set up to ensure accessible healthcare for all. Both nations also agreed to strengthen digital health connectivity through India’s e-Sanjeevani telemedicine initiative.
