The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Dr. Vidhant Nambiar highlighted Fiji’s current oral health landscape at the British Parliament last week, advocating for a strategic shift toward advanced restorative care and the establishment of a Dental Implantology Graduate Programme to strengthen local clinical capacity.
As part of the current Chevening Scholarships Fiji cohort, Dr. Nambiar joined fellow scholars in a landmark engagement at the Palace of Westminster.
The high-level meeting brought together the scholars, a visiting Fiji Government delegation, and representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to deliberate on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing national development priorities.
Advancing Oral Health in Fiji
During sector-focused presentations, Dr. Nambiar underscored the urgent need to modernise Fiji’s dental services through structured postgraduate training in implantology. He proposed the development of a specialised graduate programme, supported by international expertise, to build sustainable in-country capacity and elevate clinical standards in restorative dentistry.
He intends to work closely with Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa to progress the initiative and align it with national health priorities. Dr. Nambiar will also continue collaboration with his mentor, Dr. Flavio Pisani, at the University of Central Lancashire to further refine the proposed programme upon his return to FNU.
Dr. Hemanth T. Lakshmikantha, Acting Head of School, School of Dentistry and Oral Health, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, commended the initiative.
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Vidhant Nambiar for representing Fiji and FNU at such a distinguished international forum. His engagement at the British Parliament highlights the important role that academic institutions play in shaping national health priorities and advancing professional dialogue at the global level.
“At the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and particularly within the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, we remain committed to strengthening the dental workforce through innovation, postgraduate education, and international collaboration. Initiatives such as those discussed by Dr. Nambiar are important steps toward building sustainable clinical capacity and improving oral health outcomes for communities across Fiji.”
A Multi-Sectoral Dialogue on Cooperation
The parliamentary engagement provided a platform for the Fiji Chevening cohort to present sector-specific development priorities, reflecting a unified and forward-looking agenda. Key areas of discussion included:
- Transfer of Technical Expertise: Leveraging British academic and professional frameworks to strengthen Fijian institutions.
- Development Support Pathways: Identifying funding mechanisms and targeted resource allocation for specialised national initiatives.
- Institutional Twinning Arrangements: Establishing long-term partnerships between UK departments and their Fijian counterparts.
The session was strategically organised by Mr. Ajay Chhabra and Mr. Avaneesh, who have played a pivotal role in amplifying Pacific representation within the UK’s legislative environment.
This landmark engagement at the Palace of Westminster signals deepening UK–Fiji cooperation, underpinned by a shared commitment to institutional strengthening, capacity building, and sustainable sectoral transformation.
