BY CHRIS ALEX
Health service delivery in rural Guadalcanal continues to face significant challenges, with the majority of clinics operating without adequate infrastructure to support health workers, according to Guadalcanal Province Health Director, Ray Seleso.
Revealing concerning statistics on the state of health facilities across the province, he said out of 35 clinics that are currently open, 90 percent of them do not have proper staff housing while 66 percent require major repairs.
“This situation makes it difficult to attract and retain health workers in our rural communities. Without decent housing and safe, functional facilities, many health workers are reluctant to serve in remote areas where they are most needed,” Seleso explained.
Despite the dire situation, he praises the commitment and resilience of local communities who continue to step up in support of health services. He cited the example of Totongo, where villagers united to repair a leaking roof at a nurse’s house after building materials were provided.
“The spirit of partnership shown at Totongo is a reminder of the powerful, yet often unrecognized, role that communities play in sustaining health services. It demonstrates that when resources are made available, communities are willing and capable of contributing to the upkeep of their clinics,” he said.
Seleso stressed that while community support is commendable, it should not be left to chance or goodwill alone.
He calls for formal systems that recognize and reinforce community involvement in basic facility maintenance.
“This is why, at the recent National Health Planning Meeting, I strongly advocated for the importance of establishing clear systems that define and support community involvement in basic facility maintenance,” he said.
Seleso emphasizes that collaborative approaches between health authorities and communities are crucial in overcoming infrastructure challenges that have persisted for years.
“When communities and health services work hand in hand, we build not just stronger clinics, but stronger futures,” he stressed.
The challenges raised by Seleso reflect wider issues within the national health sector, where limited funding, logistical difficulties, and aging infrastructure continue to hinder effective service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas.
Health experts have long argued that without investment in staff housing and facility maintenance, the government risks not only staff shortages in rural clinics but also a decline in service quality.
Seleso’s call for stronger community-health partnerships echoes growing calls for more sustainable, locally-driven solutions.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
