BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
Building of the Naha birth centre and urban health clinic project has been put on hold.
This is due to concerns raised over the design of the facility.
Redesigning of this Australia-funded project is however ongoing, says Pauline McNeil, permanent secretary to the ministry of Health (MHMS).
She uttered this during a press conference this week on addressing bed problems at the national referral hospital (NRH).
MHMS and DFAT in a joint statement to Island Sun yesterday said the redesigning process is near completion.
“With the redesign process near completion we are committed to the project’s recommencement in the coming month.
“Construction commenced in January 2020, however, was put on hold when concerns with the design were identified,” the statement said.
MHMS and DFAT said during these times of continued health challenges and constrained health resources, the project continues to be a priority for both the Australian and Solomon Islands governments.
It further stressed this project will provide quality and safe birthing services and reduce the strain on the overcrowded maternity ward at NRH.
“DFAT and MHMS took decisive action to ensure the quality and safety of this important project and commissioned an Independent Technical Review,” the joint statement said.
