The interim cabinet has approved the request by the University of Fiji to set up a medical school in its Lautoka Campus.

The school will be called the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine after a former Fiji resident Dr. Umanand Prasad.

Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Acting Interim Minister for Health, Poseci Bune.

Bune said that the shortage of doctors experienced in the health service in Fiji today will continue in the future until the supply of doctors exceed the demand.

He said the curriculum of the new medical school has been developed through consultants from both within the country and Australia.