WO R L D - C L A S S H E A LT H C A R E F O R THE PEOPLE OF FIJI
WO R L D - C L A S S H E A LT H C A R E FOR THE PEOPLE OF FIJI Focused on providing the highest-quality healthcare, Aspen Medical expertly combines international clinical standards with local expertise. Gavin Whiteside, CEO of Aspen Medical in Fiji, tells us more Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Ben Weaver
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elivering world-class healthcare outcomes through investment in people, infrastructure, technology, and continuous improvement, Aspen Medical is a global healthcare solutions provider of safe, high-quality care dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Canberra, Australia, Aspen Medical provides healthcare and related services across multiple countries and regions. These services include hospital and health facility 2 | APAC Outlook Issue 82
management, clinical services, occupational health, emergency and disaster response, health infrastructure, training and capacity building, and specialist medical services. “We work with governments, healthcare institutions, defence, and private sector partners to deliver our services in complex and diverse environments,” introduces Gavin Whiteside, CEO of Aspen Medical in Fiji. The organisation employs a large international workforce of
healthcare professionals, allied health practitioners, and support staff across international operations, serving patients and communities in a range of settings. Specifically, in Fiji, Aspen Medical is working in partnership with the government through Health Care (Fiji) Pte Limited, managing the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals. “Through these two facilities, we provide comprehensive hospital services to patients across the Western Division and other parts of the country, whilst supporting the development of clinical capabilities,
ASPEN MEDICAL HEALTHCARE
healthcare infrastructure, technology, education, and quality improvement. Our services in Fiji span emergency medicine, surgery, maternity, paediatrics, oncology, cardiology, dialysis, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, pathology, rehabilitation, and a growing number of specialist services, ensuring Fijians have greater access to high-quality healthcare closer to home,” Whiteside continues. Having started his professional journey in the Australian Army’s Infantry Corps, where he served for nearly 20 years, Whiteside’s
transition into healthcare followed a conversation with a former military colleague who introduced him to an opportunity that would challenge him in a vastly different operational environment. “My experience provided a strong foundation in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, and building high-performing cultures. The prospect of applying my leadership experience in a sector focused on improving lives was incredibly appealing and set me on a new career path,” he details.
Over the past 13 years, Whiteside has led operations across the Pacific, with roles spanning healthcare, emergency management, and public services, and a consistent focus on delivering better outcomes for communities. “What has kept me passionate about healthcare is the opportunity to help deliver services that make a genuine, lasting difference in people’s lives, whilst supporting teams that are driven by a shared purpose of improving community well-being,” he smiles. APAC Outlook Issue 82 | 3
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MAKING A LASTING IMPACT What truly sets Aspen Medical apart is its ability to combine international clinical standards with local expertise and partnerships. The organisation invests in its people, infrastructure, technology, and continued innovation to deliver sustainable healthcare outcomes. In Fiji, rather than operating two hospitals, the organisation works alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the government to strengthen the country’s healthcare system for the long term. “Our focus extends beyond delivering healthcare services. We aim to build capability, develop future healthcare leaders, introduce modern clinical practices, and continuously improve patient safety and quality,” insights Whiteside. “Internal accreditation, investment in advanced medical technologies,
and the recruitment of visiting specialist teams are all examples of our commitment to delivering healthcare that reflects best global practice whilst remaining responsive to local needs.” For Aspen Medical, delivering world-class healthcare starts with maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring patients receive safe,
evidence-based care. Since assuming management of the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, the organisation has invested significantly in facilities, technology, workforce capability, and specialist services to improve access and outcomes for patients across Fiji. It has also strengthened emergency care, enhanced diagnostic capability, introduced advanced cardiac
“ What has kept me passionate about healthcare is the opportu nity to help deliver services that make a genuine, l a s t i n g d i f f e r e n c e i n p e o p l e’s l i v e s , whilst supporting teams that are driven by a shared purpose of improving community well-being” – G AV I N W H I T E S I D E , C E O , A S P E N M E D I C A L I N F I J I
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CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ETHOS AND HOW THE ORGANISATION PRIORITISES PATIENT-CENTRED CARE, PROFESSIONALISM, AND RESPECT ON A DAILY BASIS? Gavin Whiteside, CEO: “Everything we do begins with the patient. Patient-centred care means listening carefully, treating every individual with dignity and compassion, involving families in care decisions where appropriate, and ensuring services are accessible, safe, and respectful. “Professionalism is reflected in our commitment to clinical excellence, ethical practice, accountability, and continuous learning. We believe respecting and supporting our people is essential to delivering outstanding patient care, which is why these values are embedded throughout our organisation and guide every interaction, every decision, and every investment we make.”
interventions, improved cancer care, and modernised clinical processes across both hospitals. “Equally important is our culture of continuous improvement. Every investment we make is guided by a single objective: improving patient outcomes and delivering safer, higherquality care,” informs Whiteside.
INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES One of the most significant initiatives Aspen Medical recently undertook was a major investment in and redevelopment of the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals in 2022. At Lautoka Hospital, the organisation upgraded infrastructure, clinical equipment, and patient services. Specifically, these improvements included expanding specialist clinical services, upgrading operating theatres, improving critical care areas, enhancing diagnostic equipment, and modernising digital health technologies.
One of the most significant additions has been the establishment of Fiji’s first public cardiac catheterisation laboratory in the Western Division, enabling life-saving coronary interventions locally and reducing the need for patients to travel overseas,” informs Whiteside.
“Other investments include expanded dialysis capacity, advanced imaging technology, oncology services, improved neonatal equipment, new medical waste management infrastructure, digital clinical systems, and enhanced patient safety technologies.” APAC Outlook Issue 82 | 5
Your trusted partner in the healthcare industry, known for marketing leading brands and exceptional products with a portfolio of over 60,000 products trusted by hospitals, healthcare professionals, and the community.
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly How Hesed Med Delivers Shared Optimism in the South Pacific In an era where healthcare systems are under unprecedented pressure, reliability, transparency, and resilience in medical supply chains have become non-negotiable. Hesed Med has emerged as a trusted partner for organisations across Australia, the Pacific, and beyond, built on a growing catalogue of more than 60,000 medical products supplied to hospitals, healthcare professionals, and community providers. Its reach spans the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),, Australia, the US, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, positioning the company as a bridge between global manufacturers and the diverse healthcare environments that rely on them, from metropolitan hospitals to remote Pacific clinics. Essity, Life Healthcare, Multigate, MDevice, Halyard, Mentholatum, Church & Dwight, and Nestlé Nutrition to ensure transparency, safety, and regulatory compliance from factory floor to patient bed. A Track Record Built on Capability and Trust
A Company Built on Its Name Hesed Med is a 100 percent Australian-owned, NDIS-registered medical supplier headquartered in Sydney. Built on the ethos of its Hebrew name, Hesed, meaning loving-kindness and compassion, the company has transformed how critical medical consumables, pharmaceuticals, and devices move through Australia and the South Pacific. Its operations are anchored in three pillars: Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly, principles that connect complex logistical execution with genuine community care and shape how the company works with hospitals, government agencies, and community providers alike. Extensive Medical Supply Coverage Hesed Med’s partnerships with globally recognised manufacturers enable it to deliver a comprehensive medical supply solution, from pharmaceuticals
and medical consumables to equipment, health and beauty products, and specialised clinical items. Its range includes pharmaceuticals, surgical specialities, venous access, respiratory and urology products, and a comprehensive selection of hospital consumables. This breadth reflects Hesed Med’s mission to be a dependable, valuesdriven partner, supporting healthcare organisations through routine operations, emergency response, and long-term system strengthening, whether that means keeping a single clinic stocked or supplying a government tender. Rather than operating as a simple intermediary, Hesed Med coordinates directly with Tier 1 global manufacturers, including Medline, Cardinal Health, Teleflex, Terumo, ICU Medical, Becton & Dickinson, Haines, Reynard, Gama HealthCare, Parker HealthCare, GE Healthcare, Baxter,
Hesed Med’s capability is demonstrated through a growing portfolio of multi-country government and health sector projects, delivered across Australia, Fiji and the wider Pacific, often in environments where logistical complexity and urgent timelines demand precision. Recent projects include: • Tender RFT No. 3/2025-2026 The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Government of Fiji, 2025-2026, successfully executed within the three month lead time requested by Ministry of Lands. • National Centre for Childbirth and Obstetric Care, 2025 World Health Organisation, (WHO), Solomon Islands, completed on schedule, meeting WHO’s three-month lead time requirement • Study Implementation Support, Variant Bio’s research collaboration with the Ministry of Health Tahiti, Centre Hospitalier de la Polynésie française 2025, executed efficiently within Variant Bio’s stipulated onemonth timeframe. • Tender Supply of Medical Consumables to Pacific Games 2023: Supply of Medical
A Word From Our Managing Director What makes Hesed Med compelling is that we are far more than a supplier. We are a capability-driven, results-focused partner solving real problems in healthcare. We understand the pressures clinicians face and the responsibility they carry to provide trusted, reliable products that restore dignity, comfort, and hope to every clinical environment.
Consumables, successfully executed within the three-month lead time requested by the South Pacific Games Committee. • Tender RFT 2025, Aspen Medical Fiji 2026, Supply of Medical Consumables for Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, contract in progress • Ongoing supply of RFQ’s 2026-current to the Ministry of Health in the South Pacific Region. Provide ongoing supply with prompt responses to RFQs, delivering on time and meeting hospital needs and clinical requirements with consistency and care. Strengths That Set Hesed Med Apart These strengths are grounded in delivery history rather than positioning: • Execution of multi-agency programmes supported by ministries of health, WHO, NSW Health, including anti-malaria initiatives, equipment, surgical specialties, laboratory support, pharmaceutical supplies hospital procurement and geophysical equipment. • Proven tender capability across orthopaedics, medical consumables, laboratory supplies, and specialised equipment procurement, including high-stakes national tenders and timecritical emergency supply programmes. • Experience supporting international research collaborations across the Pacific, contributing to scientific, genomic, and population health studies.
• NDIS registration, enabling supply into the disability care sector. • Direct sourcing from Tier 1 manufacturers such as Medline, Cardinal Health, Teleflex, Terumo, ICU Medical, Becton & Dickinson, Haines, Reynard, Gama HealthCare, Parker HealthCare, GE Healthcare, Essity, Life Healthcare, Multigate, MDevice, Halyard, Mentholatum, Church & Dwight, and Nestlé Nutrition, reducing intermediary risk. • We draw on decades of market experience working with locals and extensive product knowledge to support hospitals with reliable, informed supply solutions.
Our mission, ACT Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly, the call of Micah 6:8, is rooted in Hesed Med and embodies Love, Kindness and Mercy. It is the compass behind everything we do. Every delivery reflects that purpose. When we strengthen supply chains, we strengthen lives. When we support healthcare professionals, we inspire hope in the world they serve. Every project we undertake is driven by hope for the lives touched by our work, and by the belief that acting justly, loving mercifully, and walking humbly can transform not only systems, but people. -Jasmin Teh, Managing Director
Looking Ahead As healthcare demand across the Asia Pacific region continues to grow, Hesed Med is investing in its supplier network, digital procurement systems, and logistics infrastructure to keep pace. The company’s focus remains straightforward: reliable delivery, transparent sourcing, and long-term partnership with the healthcare organisations that depend on it. This includes deepening relationships with existing Tier 1 manufacturers, extending NDIS and government tender coverage, and strengthening digital procurement.
Email: info@hesedmed.com.au www.hesedmed.com.au
ASPEN MEDICAL HEALTHCARE
HOW DOES ASPEN MEDICAL CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? Gavin Whiteside, CEO: “As a healthcare provider, our responsibility extends beyond the hospital walls. Our staff regularly participate in health awareness campaigns, environmental initiatives, blood donation drives, clean-up activities, and sporting partnerships. “Through our annual Tree of Hope initiative, we support vulnerable children and families across Lautoka and Ba. We also work closely with local organisations, non-government organisations, sporting bodies, and government agencies to promote healthier communities throughout Fiji.”
recognised standards across every aspect of healthcare delivery, from clinical governance and infection prevention to medication management, patient safety, leadership, and quality improvement,” Whiteside prides. This achievement reflects years of dedication from every member of the Aspen Medical team. It represents countless hours of training, auditing, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement. Most importantly, it provides patients and the community with confidence that care is delivered to internationally recognised standards.
DEVELOPING HEALTHCARE LEADERS
At Ba Hospital, Aspen Medical introduced the first CT scanner at a Fijian sub-divisional hospital, significantly improving diagnostic capability for communities across the Western Division. The organisation also introduced a modern nurse call system that enables patients to alert nursing staff instantly, improving response times, enhancing patient safety, and delivering a more responsive, patient-centred care experience. 8 | APAC Outlook Issue 82
These investments in Ba Hospital have been so monumental that the hospital recently received international accreditation. “Achieving Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval® is one of the most significant milestones in our journey in Fiji as JCI is recognised globally as the gold standard for healthcare quality and patient safety. Achieving accreditation demonstrates that Ba Hospital meets internationally
Aspen Medical recognises that continued success is only due to the hard work and dedication of its team members and celebrates that people are its greatest asset. “We invest in professional development through structured education programmes, simulationbased training, leadership development, mentoring, clinical placements, and international partnerships,” expands Whiteside. “Our teams regularly participate in emergency response training, specialist clinical workshops, patient safety programmes, and continued professional development initiatives. By investing in our people today, we are helping develop the healthcare leaders Fiji will rely on tomorrow.” This is crucial because healthcare is ultimately about people. Whilst infrastructure, technology, and accreditation are important, it’s the people who make the greatest difference on a daily basis. “I would like to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of every member of our team. Their commitment enables us to
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“Ou r focus extends beyond deliveri ng h e a lt h c a r e s e r v i c e s . We a i m to b u i ld c a p a b i l i t y, d e v e lo p f u t u r e h e a lt h c a r e leaders, introduce modern clinical practices, and continuously improve patient safety and quality” – G AV I N W H I T E S I D E , C E O , A S P E N M E D I C A L I N F I J I
deliver exceptional care, strengthen Fiji’s health system, and improve outcomes for the communities we serve,” Whiteside recognises. As Aspen Medical continues to look towards a successful, sustainable future, the organisation’s priorities remain focused on three areas: improving access, enhancing quality, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It will continue investing in modern healthcare infrastructure, digital
transformation, workforce capacity, specialist services, and safety initiatives. Strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services remains central to achieving these goals. “We also aim to further expand specialist clinical services, improve operational efficiency, continue our quality improvement journey, and build on the international standards we have already achieved,” concludes Whiteside.
Tel: +679 666 0399
https://www.aspenmedical.com https://aspenmedical.com.fj
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Tel: +679 666 0399 https://www.aspenmedical.com https://aspenmedical.com.fj
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