University of Fiji Announces Plans for New Master’s in Orthopedics at Launch of Inaugural International Health Conference

The University of Fiji has announced its plans to introduce a Master’s in Orthopedics, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand specialist medical training in the region.

The programme will be launched following necessary approvals from University Senate Committee and Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF).

The announcement was made by Pro Chancellor Pundit Bhuwan Dutt Arya Ratna during the official opening of the University’s International Health Conference, hosted by the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM).

“This programme is a significant addition to our academic offerings, reaffirming our commitment to addressing the growing demand for specialist care across Fiji and the Pacific,” said Pundit Bhuwan Dutt.

“It reflects our vision to not only train general practitioners, but also develop expertise in critical medical disciplines.”

The proposed Master’s in Orthopaedics will complement UPSM’s current programme offerings, which include the MBBS, Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Public Health.

Since its establishment in 2007, the school has expanded its footprint beyond its main Saweni campus to Samabula and Ba, with graduates now serving in healthcare facilities across the nation.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the International Health Conference, a milestone event for the University of Fiji and the broader Pacific medical community.

Held at the Saweni campus, the conference brings together researchers, academics, clinicians, and public health professionals from Fiji and overseas.

“This conference is a platform for collaboration and innovation,” said Pundit Bhuwan Dutt.

“It opens the doors to deeper research, stronger partnerships, and transformative health interventions that go beyond academic discussion and into real-world application.”

The two-day conference features a diverse programme of plenaries, technical sessions, and panel discussions, addressing both general and specialized areas of healthcare. Topics include health systems resilience, medical technology, regional disease burdens, and community health delivery.

In his keynote address, Pundit Bhuwan Dutt also reminded attendees of the importance of human values in medicine.

“Technical knowledge must be paired with compassion, fairness, and ethics. True healthcare transformation comes when professionals engage both the mind and the heart.”

He urged participants to engage fully and let the outcomes of the conference extend into policy, practice, and long-term partnerships.

The conference also pays tribute to the resilience of health workers across the Pacific, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university envisions the event as the first of many international academic gatherings aimed at shaping the future of health in the region.