‘Asset management remains a crucial area of focus’
ASSET management remains a crucial area of focus for the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
This was the sentiment expressed by FNPF management during the annual member forum in Suva on Tuesday after questions were raised on the upkeep of the Ba and Lautoka Hospitals, which has a stake in both properties which is co-run by Aspen Medical.
A pensioner at an FNPF forum had asked about the maintenance of the facilities and whether this would be prioritised by FNPF, as often times people complained about the run-down medical facilities in the country.
“That’s correct. We do plan for renovation also, for maintenance,” FNPF chief executive officer Viliame Vodonaivalu said.
“I’m not sure whether you’ve been to Ba Hospital but I think it’s one of the best facilities in Fiji right now.”
Mr Vodonaivalu also said there were plans to construct a cardio unit in Lautoka.
“There is delay in the provision of some of the services due to impact of the pandemic on hospital supply and resources.”
In addition, FNPF general manager member services Alipate Waqairawai said asset management was a priority for the team.
“I think you’ve raised a very important point about asset maintenance. I think our investment teams have got a robust program and we own a lot of assets.
“I think one of the important things that we need to be mindful of is our asset maintenance program.”
He said their investment team had a robust asset maintenance program and they worked on it to ensure all FNPF assets were well-maintained.
FNPF invested approximately $20.8 million in the project after a partnership with Aspen Medical of Australia in 2019. It resulted in the creation of a subsidiary company, Health Care Fiji Ltd, that oversees the running of the Ba and Lautoka hospitals.