DEAR Editor, I write to clarify Australia’s support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The Australian Government does not require that the Ministry adhere to Australian procurement procedures and protocols to secure Australian funding.
Australia’s funding arrangement is designed to ensure the Ministry complies with the Solomon Islands Government’s own procurement procedures and protocols, including the legislative requirements under the Solomon Islands Public Finance Management Act.
These are the same processes and legal requirements that apply to all Solomon Islands Government funds. The Solomon Islands Government has put these processes in place to ensure the proper use of public funds and to reduce the risk of fraud and corruption in the Solomon Islands public service.
The Australian Government is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government to deliver health services to the people of Solomon Islands.
Australia will provide up to AUD47.8 million as direct budget support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services over the period 2016 – 2020 to support the delivery of health services including the purchase of drugs and medical supplies. The Solomon Islands Government is responsible for the administration of these funds.
Australia remains a committed partner of Solomon Islands.
Yours sincerely
Michael Hassett
Acting High Commissioner
