MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES – PRESS RELEASE
PR 109/25 | Date: 15/12/25
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services acknowledges the recently reported water leak at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) Antenatal Clinic (ANC).
On Monday, December 15, 2025, a water leakage at the ANC was identified, and the Ministry and CWMH management acted immediately to investigate and resolve the issue. The hospital’s maintenance team, under the direction of the medical superintendent, conducted an initial assessment and identified the source of the leakage as an old drainage pipe that had been sealed off during renovations to the maternity washrooms, carried out by an interest group. The seal had loosened over time, causing the water leakage.
Repairs to the broken pipe have been completed, and the ANC area has been cleaned and restored, ensuring the antenatal clinic is safe, functional, and ready to receive patients.
In light of this incident, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has directed a two-fold action:
- A detailed investigation of the incident is conducted to verify the initial findings and the long-term remediation measures required.
- A temporary pause on any future renovation work by the contractors involved in the initial washroom project, pending the outcome of the verification process above.
The Ministry of Health reaffirms its unwavering commitment to patient safety and the ongoing improvement of health infrastructure.
We thank the public and our partners for their vigilance and assure all Fijians that the CWM Antenatal Clinic remains a dedicated facility for the care and well-being of mothers and expectant mothers. The ministry regrets any inconvenience caused by this incident to staff and the public.
ENDS.