Acting Dean CMNHS Dr Amelia Turagabeci

The Fiji National University (FNU) has received a strong endorsement of its health services management programmes, with its Bachelor of Health Services Management (BHSM), Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management (PGDHSM), and Master of Health Services Management (MHSM) programmes successfully re-accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM).

The programmes have been re-accredited until 30 September 2029, giving students and graduates added confidence that their qualifications continue to meet internationally recognised standards in health services management.

For FNU, the outcome is also an important step in strengthening the skills and leadership needed to manage Fiji’s health services and support stronger health systems across the Pacific.

The re-accreditation followed a comprehensive review by ACHSM, which looked at the quality of the programmes, academic standards, leadership development, industry relevance and graduate outcomes.

The Acting Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) , Dr Amelia Turagabeci, said the outcome reflected the work of the people behind the programmes, including academic staff, students, alumni and industry partners.

“The successful re-accreditation of our Health Services Management programmes by ACHSM is a testament to Fiji National University’s commitment to delivering internationally recognised education that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. It strengthens our role in preparing skilled healthcare managers and leaders who can drive improvements in health systems across Fiji and the wider Pacific,” Dr Turagabeci said.

Offered through CMNHS, the three programmes prepare health professionals to take on the increasingly complex responsibilities of managing health services. Students develop knowledge and skills in areas including health management and leadership, strategic management, policy development and analysis, health workforce management, health finance and economics, quality improvement, governance and health system strengthening.

The Head of Health Services Management programmes, Associate Professor Ledua Tamani, said the re-accreditation was a valuable confirmation that the programmes continue to meet the expectations of the health sector.

“This re-accreditation provides external validation that our programmes continue to meet internationally recognised benchmarks in health management education. It also reflects our commitment to continuous quality improvement and ensuring that our graduates are equipped to lead and manage complex health systems in Fiji, the Pacific, and beyond,” Associate Professor Tamani said.

For students and graduates, the accreditation provides assurance that their qualifications are recognised against professional and international standards. It can also support opportunities for professional recognition, networking and career development within the health sector.

At a time when health systems are facing changing needs and growing demands, the need for capable health managers and leaders is just as important, as the need for clinical professionals. FNU’s Health Services Management programmes are helping fill that space by preparing professionals who understand not only healthcare, but also the leadership, planning and systems needed to make it work.

FNU will continue to strengthen these programmes through teaching, research, industry engagement and partnerships, with the wider goal of supporting stronger health services and better outcomes for communities across Fiji and the Pacific.

In addition, FNU acknowledges ACHSM, together with its academic and administrative staff, students, alumni, industry stakeholders and healthcare partners, whose contribution has supported the successful re-accreditation.