TONY IROGA
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has hailed the completion of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project as a major milestone to strengthen healthcare services in Malaita Province and reduce pressure on the National Referral Hospital.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony this week, the Minister for Health, Morris Toiraena said the upgraded hospital represents the government’s commitment to provide better access to quality healthcare for people in the provinces.
“The Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project is critical for strengthening general hospital care while laying the foundation for future specialist health services in Malaita,” Mr Toiraena said.
The upgraded facilities include a new outpatient and emergency department, operating theatre, central sterilised services department, perfusion suite, medical imaging unit and pharmacy dispensary.
The project also includes medical equipment, allowing services to begin immediately.
He said Kilufi Hospital was originally built in 1965 when Malaita’s population was about 50,000. Today, the province is home to nearly 170,000 people, creating increasing demand for hospital beds, specialist services and skilled health workers.
Toiraena said the hospital upgrade supports the ministry’s policy of expanding specialist healthcare services to provincial hospitals, reducing the need for patients to travel to Honiara for treatment.
“Our long-term goal is for large provincial hospitals like Kilufi and Gizo to provide general specialist services, allowing the National Referral Hospital to focus on tertiary and sub-specialist care,” he said.
He said Kilufi Hospital already has a general surgeon and an anaesthetic registrar, with plans to further strengthen services through additional investments in laboratory facilities, physiotherapy, biomedical support and new hospital wards.
The Minister described the handover as “the first phase, not the end” of Kilufi Hospital’s development.
He also thanks the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Solomon Islands’ health sector through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Japan has been a trusted partner in strengthening our health system for many years. These contributions reflect Japan’s enduring friendship and commitment to the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Toiraena highlighted Japan’s support for major health projects, which include the construction of Gizo Hospital, medical equipment supplied to provincial hospitals, COVID-19 response equipment, the upcoming isolation unit at the National Referral Hospital, and various public health programmes.
He also acknowledged JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation, the Malaita Provincial Government, landowners, development partners and local communities for supporting the project.
He said they are committed to ensure that the new facilities are fully utilised by providing specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, increasing operational support for Kilufi Hospital and continuing staff training.
“This project is more than just new buildings. It is an investment in the health and future of Malaita Province and Solomon Islands. Together with our partners and communities, we are building a stronger and more resilient health system that will serve generations to come,” he said.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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