BY TONY IROGA
Malaita Premier Elija Asilaua has raised concerns over the state of healthcare infrastructure in the province, revealing that more than half of Malaita’s health facilities have not undergone any renovation in the past five years.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the newly upgraded Kilufi Hospital this week, Mr Asilaua said the figures reflect the urgent need for greater investment in health infrastructure and services across the province.
“The 55 percent of health facilities have received no renovation work over the past five years, while a further 41 per cent have only undergone minor maintenance,” he said.
He highlighted worrying health outcomes, saying only 39 percent of patients show improvement following clinical treatment, while 57 percent continue to experience deteriorating health conditions and four per cent record no improvement.
“These figures remind us that we still have significant work ahead in strengthening our health system and ensuring our people have access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he praised doctors, nurses and frontline health workers for their commitment to deliver essential medical services under difficult conditions.
“Despite the difficulties we face, our doctors, nurses and health teams continue to work with dedication. Through their technical knowledge, medical treatment and commitment, they continue to help our people survive during critical health situations,” he said.
He described their dedication as a blessing to the people of Malaita and acknowledged the sacrifices health workers continue to make in serving communities across the province.
“The completion of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project marks an important milestone in addressing Malaita’s healthcare challenges.
“We hope this project will improve the standard of healthcare services for our people in Malaita and reduce the pressure of patient referrals to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara,” Asilaua said.
He said the project demonstrates the enduring friendship and cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan and reflects a shared commitment to improve the wellbeing of the people.
“Today is not just the opening of another infrastructure project. It is a celebration of friendship, partnership and our shared commitment to improving the lives of our people through quality health services,” he said.
Asilaua thanks the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Malaita and Solomon Islands, describing the hospital upgrade as another important milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two countries since Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978.
The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, government ministers, senior officials, representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and other development partners.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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