BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS), says the country’s midwifery workforce should be strengthened, highlighting the urgent need for more trained professionals to support maternal and newborn healthcare.
Respecting this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives,” McNeil said it is both a call to action and a reminder of the critical role midwives play in the health system.
She adds that the theme also underscores the importance of investing in safer health facilities for both patients and frontline workers.
“Current figures show that the country has only 179 midwives, far below the target outlined in the national health workforce strategy, which aims for 401 doctors, nurses and midwives by 2031.
“In response, the government has increased funding for training, raising the annual allocation from $2 million to $5 million last year and maintaining $4.5 million this year to support both in-service and specialist training,” she said.
She also acknowledged the role of the Solomon Islands National University’s School of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in producing health workers.
She said that continued investment in education is key to address the shortage.
“Efforts are also underway to improve working conditions through ongoing health infrastructure developments. A new birthing centre at Naha is expected to open mid-year to reduce pressure on the National Referral Hospital, while expansion work at Kilu’ufi Hospital aims to provide a better environment for midwives and doctors,” Ms McNeil said.
She said infrastructure development must align with workforce needs, available resources and operational costs to ensure health facilities remain functional and effective in delivering services.
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