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A week of encouraging health related news

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, two separate news reports published this week in the Island Sun newspaper, both related to local health issues, were praiseworthy and justify comment.

The first report made reference to the Solomon Islands PNG Association having generously handed over medical equipment to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) worth over S50, 000.

The equipment comprised an ECG machine and a Suction machine, both items especially useful to the NRH.

The money needed to purchase the equipment was said to have been raised following an appeal by the Solomon Islands PNG Association on the occasion of Solomon Islands 40th Independence anniversary.

To all the people and organizations in PNG that contributed to the appeal I would like to express my personal thanks and say I very much appreciate the donated medical equipment now in practical use at the NRH.

The other piece of news I found particularly encouraging was the report which related to a health team that had undergone specialist health training in order to better respond to disasters.

Quoting from the Island Sun article it said:

“Solomon Islands now have its own Emergency Medical Team to respond to outbreaks, natural disasters and other health emergencies.

“Known as SOLMART, a group of health professionals have undergone a weeklong training that is locally structured to suit the needs of Solomon Islanders.

“Speaking to Island Sun during the professionals training, Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, Supervising Undersecretary Health Improvement said, the names of health personnel will now be entered into a database whereby they can be able to respond to emergency situations should the need arise.

“Dr. Bainivalu said from the database, they will also identify those that can be trained in specialised areas to further enhance their capacity”.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

NRH without vital testing machines

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Referral Hospital

Ministry seeks approval of $1.3M for the replacement of 3 broken down blood analyser machines

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has projected for the approval of $1,308,800, under the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018 (2), to purchase three (3) Blood Analyser Machines for the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

This was revealed during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing yesterday.

Director of Medical Laboratory, Alfred Dofai who appeared alongside other top ministry officials, explained that the total estimate is what will cost the ministry to purchase the machines.

However, Mr Dofai told PAC that the machines will be sourced from New Zealand and due to its genuine status, the cost was revealed to be high, and the option of source had actually faced a few opposition and questions, but the emphasis remained on durability and credibility of the manufacturing source.

The Machines include a biochemistry machine, and this is one of the main machines of NRH, specifically to do tests for the chemistries of the body, like sugar, liver, kidney and heart.

“It has broken down and virtually, NRH only has one small back up machine that has been holding us right through to now, and we fear it might also break down, because its capacity is small to take up a lot of tests,” Director Dofai revealed.

The other purchase includes a haematology machine, which measures the level of blood in the body, “and this is why you’d see the cost hitting a total estimate of up to $1.3million”.

“The cost in New Zealand dollars is $238,000,” he added.

He further added that with the current situation, because Doctors rely heavily on these machines everyday to do treatments and deal with patients in theatre, and they have also been pressurising the responsible divisions to get it, as they are also under immense pressure to deliver.

“The Machine we previously used was a Chinese made machine, and it broke down within a year, which was purchased just before the course of the 2018 budget, and because it was new, there was no intention for submission on this machine.

“And the other machine is German made, which was the one we have been using for the past couple of years, and because of its massive size, it will be brought in to the country through ship,” Dofai explained when questioned over the quality of machines, and the mode of bringing them in.

The group was also questioned on the placement of machines if they are shipped in, but the Director of Medical Laboratory clarified that they will all be stationed at the NRH, but with their availability, the machines can also be used on cases referred in from the provinces.

It will be a national biochemistry machine and it will also cater for the provinces where they can just fly in their specimen for testing here, including NRH.

He said the Ministry has thrived for the mini hospitals in the provinces to have their own biochemistry machines so they can do their own analysis on any specimen so to avoid time constraints.

The other machine is to test the level of bloods, as it is also important for doctors to be able to administer treatments, but according to the Director, it has already lived its maximum life span, and therefore the ministry felt relevant to include in the total estimate of the ministry.

Meanwhile, speaking on the administrative aspect of the proposal for the Machines, the Ministry’s Under Secretary Corporate Services stressed that when one of our equipment breaks down, there is the urgent need to replace it, and this time round, we submitted a paper to cabinet and the ministry of finance had given us the Contingency Warrant (CW) for that.

He then clarified when questioned, that this item was not made possible in the 2018 Budget because the need came during the cause of the year.

Currently, with the breakdown of the machines, the National Referral Hospital through instructions from the Ministry, has made an arrangement with newly established and privately owned, VanMed Lab, to do the very urgent tests that the hospital will need.

The Health Ministry officials revealed that once the contract on the purchase is signed, the Machines will certainly be bought and should take around 4 to 8 weeks to get into the country.

Meanwhile, the intentions by the Ministry to take on the costly machines received strong support from PAC and its members who suggested for the ministry to stick to maintaining the emphasis on quality because the Solomon Islands is not a rubbish dump, and that there is need to put emphasis on value for money.

The ministry, through officials, was also urged to not only look at the current machines highlighted, but to also look at other machines and equipments that needs backups and urgent replacements if they needed to.

PM joins world leaders in POM for APEC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou and pacific island leaders arrived in Port Moresby to join other world leaders.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the Asian Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC).

The Prime Minister joined other Pacific Islands Forum Leaders that travelled on Australia’s Air Force One from Brisbane to Port Moresby yesterday; an arrangement organised by the Australian Government for all PIF Leaders.

Prime Minister Houenipwela and other PIF Leaders will also be involving in the PIF Informal Dialogue with APEC leaders later this week.

The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings this week and to also meet other APEC leaders.

Pacific Leaders and 21 world leaders have already arrived in Port Moresby including Vice President of US Mike Pence, China’s President Xi Jinping, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison and others.

The meeting kicks off today.

PM Hou and pacific island leaders arrived in Port Moresby to join other world leaders.

–OPMC PRESS

Missing boat in Choiseul found, everyone safe

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE boat with six people onboard which went missing while travelling between Lituni Village in South Choiseul and Vella La Vella in Western province on November 13, 2018 has been found.

All six passengers, four males and two females are safe and well.

The 18-feet ray boat driven by a 40 horsepower Suzuki engine, left Lituni Village in South Choiseul on the morning of November 13 with another boat heading to Vella La Vella.

The other boat landed safely at Varapata Village on Vella La Vella at about 11 am on the same day but the other one failed to make it.

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Communication Centre at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara this morning received a call through a satellite phone from Luti Village on South Choiseul that the boat landed there yesterday evening (November 14) after drifting since the day before after their engine experienced a mechanical problem,” says Assistant Commissioner, Provincial, Joseph Manelugu.

“As part of its sea safety messaging, the RSIPF has been reminding boat owners to service their OBM’s properly before embarking on any trip between our islands.

“This is a classic example of what can happen when you do not service your engine. Luckily the boat and the six passengers landed safely after drifting for nearly two days.”

“Let us not take any risks while travelling between our islands in the small boats. If you are not too sure, stay ashore.”

–POLICE MEDIA

NCD earn high death and disabilities rate in SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has noted that Non Communicable Disease (NCD) is behind the high death rates and disabilities in Solomon Islands.

Under Secretary (US) of MHMS Dr Nemia Bainivalu revealed the matter to this paper during the launching of the World Diabetes Day in Honiara.

Bainivalu said the ministry has recognised that the impact of NCD has caused many deaths and disabilities in the country.

Bainivalu said with the increased rates of diabetes MHMS has developed the Multi-sectoral National NCD Strategic Plan 2018-2022 as the way forward to reduce diabetes /NCD.

These strategic components include prevent NCDs and promote health and wellness for all, improve control of NCDs through capacity building and health systems strengthening.

Also to monitor and evaluate interventions to track progress to achieve set targets, imposing taxes on sugar sweetened beverages, increasing excise taxes (on sale) of tobacco and alcohol and products, regulations and control of betel nut and appropriation of funds for programmes in the strategic plan.

He said NCD unit plans to encourage strong partnership with line ministries, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), faith based and donor partner to reduce NCDs/Diabetes in the national NCD plans.

Bainivalu said the whole of government approach is what is needed to halt the increasing rate of NCD / diabetes in the country.

This evidence is according to the SolPEN programme which stands for the Solomon Islands Package of Non-essential Diseases interventions.

It is a study that undertaken to check people for diabetes and is offered in all provincial NCD clinics.

Headmaster faces rape and indecent assault charges on step daughter

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE male headmaster of a primary school in South Small Gela in Central province has been arrested and charged for the alleged indecent assault and rape of his 15-year-old step daughter.

The young girl is a Grade Six student at the same school where the suspect is the headmaster.

“The suspect allegedly indecently assaulted and raped the girl on an unknown date between July 1, 2018 and October 22, 2018 at Siarana Village on South Small Gela,” explains Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Hugo Maelasi

“The victim is from Siarana Village on South Small Gela while the suspect is from Vella la Vella in the Western province.

“The suspect was brought to Tulagi Police Station and formally arrested and charged with two counts of indecent assault and five counts of rape.

“He was taken to Honiara and has been remanded in custody to reappear in Court on November 27, 2018.

“This is another very sad incident whereby a person in trust as the step-father and as a headmaster of a school where the victim attends, abuses the trust that has been put on him.

“Police will not tolerate such behaviour especially when it will affect this young girl for the rest of her life.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Malaita Premier supports police work on Kwaso Action Plan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(L-R) PPC Malaita Province Timothy Apaesi, Darren Paki NZ advisor, Premier Peter Chanel Ramohia and AC Joseph Manelugu.
(L-R) PPC Malaita Province Timothy Apaesi, Darren Paki NZ advisor, Premier Peter Chanel Ramohia and AC Joseph Manelugu.

THE Premier of Malaita province, Peter Chanel Ramohia has assured the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) that his provincial government will work closely with the Force on the roll-out of the Kwaso Action Plan in the province.

Mr Ramohia gave the assurance during a brief meeting with the RSIPF’s Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial, Joseph Manelugu in Auki on November 14, 2018.

During the meeting AC Manelugu briefed the Premier on the Kwaso Action Plan and the RSIPF preparations for the National General Election next year.

Manelugu told Premier Ramohia: “The Kwaso Action Plan is aimed at reducing the harmful substance from our communities including in Malaita Province. The issues are the production, distribution and consumption of kwaso.

“By identifying the problems we can come up with some mechanism to solve the problem by working together with other stakeholders, youth and, women groups, church leaders, community liaison officers and Crime Prevention Committee members.

“With the strong partnership that we develop with stakeholders it will assist in preventing the illicit substance from our communities.

“We will also conduct awareness programmes and trainings to help our communities to fully understand the impact of kwaso on our communities.”

In response, Premier Ramohia told AC Manelugu: “I am happy and like to congratulate your team for the good work done in terms of the Kwaso Action Plan and the preparations for the National General Election next year. With the issues identified, it is something that we need to continue to work on and find some ways to resolve them.

“I believe that if we work collectively on implementing the Kwaso Action Plan it will control the availability of the illicit substance within our communities.

“The Malaita Provincial Government can assist the Police with this issue through its Community Liaision Officers (CLOs).”

–POLICE MEDIA

Western province govt undergoes reshuffle

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(Left to Right) MPA for Ward 25, Noro, Billy Veo is the new Minister for Finance and Treasury, MPA for Ward 7, Vonunu and Deputy Premier Christian Mesepitu is the Minister for Lands and MPA for Ward 9, Dovele, Jennings Movobule is the new Minister for Planning.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Province Premier David Gina has announced a reshuffle in his executive.

The reshuffle was carried out before Full Assembly on Tuesday this week.

Mr Gina explains the reshuffle as a measure to avoid personal conflict of interest with the proposed reform policy statement undertaken by his government, especially in the revenue sector to effectively regulate the revenue collection and improve sustainability.

“For this reason the Hon Billy Veo MPA for Ward 25, Noro will now be mandated with the important task of driving this provincial government’s priority sector as the new Minister for Finance and Treasury.”

Other Portfolio changes include; Minister for Lands is the Deputy Premier Christian Mesepitu MPA for Ward 7 Vonunu, who will be re-shuffled with Hon Billy Veo, while Hon Jennings Movobule MPA for Ward 9 Dovele is the new Minister for Planning.

Gina explained that these new portfolio allocations will provide guidance and direction to the Western provincial government’s quest to deliver quality services to the people over the next four years.

“This decision represents the confidence I have in each of these Ministers to carry out their mandated responsibilities without fear or favour and they all have the full support under the Reform Policy Statement of the Western Provincial Government with the theme Progressing Together in Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity,” he added.

(Left to Right) MPA for Ward 25, Noro, Billy Veo is the new Minister for Finance and Treasury, MPA for Ward 7, Vonunu and Deputy Premier Christian Mesepitu is the Minister for Lands and MPA for Ward 9, Dovele, Jennings Movobule is the new Minister for Planning.

Gov’t seeks $5M

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Needed for settlement of outstanding payment of Kongulai Los

 

By Gary Hatigeva

THE National Government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, is seeking parliament’s approval of over $5 Million for a payment to the Kongulai Water Source Land Trustees.

This was revealed in the Government’s 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill number two that is currently before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for inquiries.

Appearing before the Committee to present his ministry’s case on the estimate, Permanent Secretary of the Lands Ministry, Stanley Waleanesia explained that the $5.56Million highlighted is for the settlement of an outstanding payment, which he said to be owed to Landowners of Kongulai water source.

He told PAC that the submitted figure is the remaining tranche of payment from a total of $7Million payment that is based on an agreement that was reached between the landowners and government earlier.

PS Waleanesia clarified when questioned that the payment came out from a settlement approach the government had taken after the landowners threatened to shut down the water source following disagreements over the review agreement on the source.

The Permanent Secretary was questioned over the status of the Lease Agreement, and the payment highlighted, was part of the lease or comes under a new agreement.

According to the PS, a 75 year lease agreement over the water source, which supplies water to over three quarters of Honiara, was signed in 1981, and was also subject to a review every 10 years.

He said following the first review program, landowners expressed their unhappiness in the way matters to do with payments over the source was handled, and a notice was made then, for the closure of the water source.

The closure threat had prompted the government then, to take swift actions, where the two parties convened a meeting, and came up with the new settlement approach.

He said following the hiccups, a new deal was reached, which was where the total of $7.5Million was to be paid to the water source owners of Kongulai.

PS Waleanesia however pointed out that there were legal issues in the matter, but the government at that time, decided to accept the new deal and started recognising it through the first two trench of payments, totalling up to only $2million.

Waleanisia further explained that in the lease agreement, the Landowners were supposed to be receiving a certain percentage from payments for the source, but based on the history of the Kongulai issue, and on Landowners’ arguments, the government was blamed for not honouring its side of the agreement.

Meanwhile, the PS added that the estimate highlighted in this year’s second supplementary is but the final part of the payment, and reiterated that $2Million was already paid out, but in two trenches.

The $5million is projected under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, through the Contingency Warrant in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018 (2), from a total estimate of over $8Million.

Wai-hau protects Leatherback nesting grounds

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Beach erosion is one of the threat to leather back turtle nesting sites...Photo credit Wai-Hau

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Beach erosion is one of the threat to leather back turtle nesting sites…Photo credit Wai-Hau

TEAM from Wai-hau conservation Inc has recently completed a Leatherback turtle scoping trip to Su’u Mapo area in South Malaita.

The trip was to protect Leatherbacks in areas in the province reported to have been identified as their nested sites.

As a leading local conservation organisation in the southern region of Malaita province on protection of Leatherbacks, they met with the people on how they should work together to protect the species.

A meeting was held with the chief, head of Walalole tribe and landowners of Roapu community on the importance of Leatherback turtle.

The meeting was to organise landowners towards participation in the global efforts to protect of Leatherback turtles.

Wai-hau reported that Su’u Mapo was one of the unknown Leatherbacks nesting sites in Malaita – now identified and will work along with.

Whilst Wai-Hau continues to protect the species from one part of the Island, it was also incumbent that other unknown sites around Malaita known for leather back nestings must be supported.

This is because of the reason that the species are migratory and many sites they can use for nesting.

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