High Commission of India
Suva
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Press Release
Handing over of Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARV) consignment to Fiji
A large consignment of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV patients in Fiji worth over FJ$280,000.00 was handed-over by the Government of India to the Government of Fiji on 10 August 2023 at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva.
2. On behalf of the Government of India, High Commissioner H. E. Mr. P. S. Karthigeyan handed over the consignment of advanced live saving drugs to Minister for Health and Medical Services of Government of Fiji, Hon. Dr. Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu. Among the dignitaries present at the event included former Speaker of the Parliament and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health, Dr. James Fong, Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Head of Family Health, Dr. Rachel Devi and other senior Government health officials.
3. Emphasizing on the special bond between India and Fiji, High Commissioner P.S. Karthigeyan stated that cooperation in the health care sector is a key area of focus in the bilateral development partnership. Recalling the previous supply of ARV drugs to Fiji in 2021 and 2022 he said India is privileged to contribute to the efforts of Fijian Government in addressing the major challenge. He outlined the hugely transformative role played by Indian Generic medicine manufacturers in the fight against HIV across the world and also reaffirmed India’s commitment to work even more closely with Fiji in improving access to quality healthcare in the country.
4. Minister Dr. Lalabalavu thanked the Government and the people of India for the generous donation of life saving drugs and for standing with people of Fiji at a critical time. He also outlined the various measures being taken by Government of Fiji to address the challenge amidst growing number of HIV cases. UNAIDS Ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the assistance is yet another testament to India’s long standing support and solidarity with the people of Fiji. Dr. Rachel Devi, Head of Family Health, thanked the Government of India for helping provide the most advanced line of treatment to the HIV patients in Fiji.
5. The consignment, requested by the Government of Fiji also included limited quantity of Tuberculosis medicines and were delivered as a grant assistance by India to augment the medical supplies in Fiji.
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10 August, 2023
