BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A new state-of-the-art laboratory was handed over to Lata Hospital last month.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy told Senior members of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services last week.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Headquarters on Thursday Conroy said that handing over was witnessed by the Health Minister and Australian High Commissioner.
“Last month, Minister Paul Popora Bosawai and High Commissioner Hilton travelled together to Temotu province, to hand over a new state-of-the-art bimolecular laboratory for Lata Hospital,’’ said Conroy.
He said that this laboratory is one of three that Australia built across the Solomon Islands and already provided on-site pathology results, helping doctors to make faster and more accurate medical diagnoses and treatment in health outcomes.
“We’re trying to achieve a highly skilled lab technician and ensure the lab continues to serve the community for years to come,’’ he told Solomon Islands Senior health officials Thursday last week.
“All these infrastructures are pretty cool, but one of the people has the skills and expertise to deliver these services,’’ said Conroy.
He further said that Australia also delivered over five cubic metres of urgently needed medical supplies during this visit.
“Some purchase over Australia and was recently announced the Emergency Medical Supply at the procurement of $9.1 million Solomon Dollars to the National Medical Store,’’ he said.
Minister Conroy also thanks Dr. Paul Bosawai for his advocating and strong encouragement in the sector and proud of the support Australia has provided.
“It will save lives and ease the suffering of those living with injuries, diseases and chronic health conditions,’’ he said.
He said that Australia’s rapid response to the medical supply emergency demonstrates a big commitment to the people of the Solomon Islands and the strength of our long-standing partnership in health.
“Also acting on your priorities and your needs. We’re contributing to whole-service delivery across every province and here in Honiara with more than $180 million in Solomon Dollars providers since 2016. Together we’re including service delivery for new and structured initiatives such as biomedical laboratories and new high-frequency units, which is improving care in the most acute cases at number nine,’’ said Conroy.
