Hospital fees introduced to sustain healthcare, not to limit access: MOH

Jul 6, 2026 | News | 0

The introduction of hospital fees is not meant to limit people from accessing healthcare, but to help cover the cost of running and improving services, ensuring that essential equipment, medicines, supplies, and infrastructure remain available for the public.

This statement was issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The ministry said hospital fees are an important component in ensuring hospitals continue to provide safe, reliable and high-quality services while supporting the sustainability of essential clinical operations.

The MOH clarified that the fees do not apply to aid posts, dispensaries, health centres or area health centres.

“Every contribution made through hospital fees supports better healthcare services, improved infrastructure and quality care for the people,” said the ministry.

The MOH said it has made significant investments in strengthening hospital services nationwide over recent years, funded through its recurrent budget, New Policy Proposals (NPPs) and supplementary budget allocations.

These investments include the expansion of specialist medical and surgical services; renovation of the maternity ward at Norsup Hospital, together with renovations of hospital wards and improvements to the Central Medical Store (CMS) building; and the introduction of new services including dialysis, a six-bed intensive care unit (ICU), molecular laboratory services (including in-country testing for measles), CT scans and mammograms at Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) and Northern Provincial Hospital (NPH).

Investments in biomedical equipment and maintenance systems have also been made. In 2024 alone, the ministry invested VT44.5 million in new medical equipment, including cardiac diagnostic equipment, automated external defibrillators, and other life-saving devices now available in provincial hospitals in addition to VNH and NPH.

Strengthening diagnostic laboratory and imaging services is another key investment. According to the ministry, all provincial hospitals can now perform full blood count, liver function, kidney function and cholesterol tests to better support the management of diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.

“More than five years ago, many of these tests were only available in Port Vila and NPH, requiring patients or their specimens to travel long distances and often wait up to one month for results. Today, all six hospitals provide onsite X-ray and laboratory services, significantly improving timely diagnosis,” the MOH said.

“The Ministry is also currently establishing Vanuatu’s first histopathology laboratory at VNH.

“This service will allow tissue biopsy specimens to be processed and reported within Vanuatu rather than being sent overseas, reducing costs for patients and significantly improving turnaround times.

In addition, the Ministry is progressing the establishment of the National Oncology Unit, supported by a Government investment of VT35 million approved through the supplementary budget.

“Maintaining these expanded services requires substantial ongoing investment.

“Medical equipment must be regularly serviced, essential medicines and consumables replenished, health infrastructure maintained, and healthcare workers continuously trained.

“Revenue generated through hospital fees assists the Ministry in sustaining these services for the benefit of all citizens, in addition to enabling further expansion of services across provincial hospitals.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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