BY TONY IROGA
A major milestone for healthcare in Malaita Province was marked yesterday with the official handover of the newly upgraded Kilufi Hospital, a flagship health infrastructure project funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, members of Government, the Malaita Provincial Government, officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Dr Howard L. Sobel, Japanese Embassy officials, church leaders and members of the public.
The project, which began in 2019 and was completed in 2026, is regarded as one of the largest healthcare infrastructure investments in Solomon Islands.
It includes new clinical and maternity buildings, modern operating theatres, advanced medical imaging equipment and improved emergency facilities that aim to strengthen healthcare services for the people of Malaita.
Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi said the project reflects Japan’s long-standing friendship and partnership with Solomon Islands.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I officially hand over these buildings and medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the people of Solomon Islands,” Mr Keiichi said.
He said Kilufi Hospital has long served as one of the country’s key regional hospitals, particularly for the nation’s most populous province.
“Listening to the voices of the people in Malaita, Japan decided to invest about 2.3 billion Japanese yen, approximately SBD120 million, as grant aid to construct these new facilities so the hospital can provide safe, reliable and adequate health services for the people of Malaita Province,” he said.
He noted that the project took nearly seven years from its inception in 2019 to completion in 2026 and acknowledged everyone who contributed to its successful delivery.
The new facilities cover around 2,000 square metres and include a new clinical services building and a maternity ward designed to improve patient care, surgical services, emergency treatment and maternal healthcare.
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support.
“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and the Malaita Provincial Government, I sincerely thank the Government of Japan for its generous support in delivering this important project. We also appreciate Japan’s continued partnership in strengthening our health infrastructure,” Premier Asilaua said.
The upgraded hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery and meet the growing medical needs of Malaita Province for many years to come.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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