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JAPAN STEPS IN

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline Mcneil, Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, H.E. MIWA Yoshiaki and Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Cornelius Walegerea.

The Government of Solomon Islands and Japan have signed off on a document of assistance that will see the procurement of much needed medical equipment urgently needed by the Solomon Islands Health sector.

The signing of an Exchange Note was held yesterday between the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka and the Ambassador of Japan to the Solomon Islands,Miwa Yoshiaki

The equipment to be provided includes portable ultrasound devices, enzyme immunoassay devices, ultra-low temperature freezers, blood cold storage units, dry ice machines, and haemoglobin meters.

Mr Agovaka said this bilateral support is worth 200 million Japanese Yen (SBD $12 millionM) for the procurement and supply of these medical items and equipment.

He said this support signifies the comprehensive vision of the Japanese Government, to promote health sector development and to effectively enhance the country’s medical service delivery.

“The provision of these much-needed medical equipment to the National Referral Hospital and provincial hospitals and health centreers around the country, will surely have substantive and meaningful impacts in the lives of Solomon Islanders and help bridge the existing gaps that requires urgent attention in the country’s health and medical sector.”

Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka and the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. MIWA Yoshiaki.

Agovaka said as Solomon Islands slowly recovers from the devastating impacts of COVID19, such unremitting support from the Government of Japan, is a portrayal of the permanent friendship between the two Governments and the understanding and awareness of the needs of its peoples.

He thanked the Government and good people of Japan for the support and assures them that Solomon Islands will continue to work together with Japan to promote and advance matters of mutual interests.

In response, Ambassador of Japan, H.E MIWA Yoshiaki said the Government of Japan hopes that the medical equipment will be used effectively in hospitals and medical health centres in Honiara and provinces in the country to improve the welfare of the Solomon people.

This year marks 45 years since Japan and Solomon Islands forge diplomatic relations and both countries have enjoyed warm cordial relations over the past decades.

MFAET PRESS STATEMENT

People warned to ensure safety first

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Director of Solomon Islands Meteorological Service David Hiriasi.

BY NED GAGAHE

People are warned to take extra actions to ensure safety in light of the intense weather conditions currently experienced in the country.

Director of Solomon Islands Meteorology Services David Hiriasia issued the warning in a statement yesterday following announcement by the National Disaster Operations Committee to activate the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) to a level one activation (stand-by mode) and Temotu Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (TP PEOC) on level two full-on activation on 27th February.

Mr. Hiriasia said the weather system will cover most of the Islands of Solomon Islands in the coming days as the system intensifies.

“The impact of such system may cause widespread impact on people, livelihood and properties.

“Therefore, people are urge to take extra actions to ensure their family, communities and properties are safe and secured.” Hiriasia said.

Meanwhile in a statement NEOC had encouraged people to take precaution when travelling on land and sea as the weather may be aggressive to parts of our country in the next few days.

“People are encouraged to call 933, 955, 977 for weather and safety advice.” NEOC said.

‘THINK SAFETY’

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

Public urged to be alert as possible second cyclone forms south of Renbel, bad weather to continue

BY NED GAGAHE

Public are being warned to take extra safety as bad weather is predicted to continue for the next couple of days.

The current bad weather is due to cyclone Judy, which is passing through Vanuatu, and the low depression south of Renbel province, which is forecasted to develop into a cyclone today.

This low depression according to weather updates yesterday evening, was heading towards Renbel province.

Cyclone Judy as of yesterday evening is a category-four storm.

Director Meteorological Services David Hiriasia in his update yesterday on the current bad weather experienced throughout the country, said it is associated with Cyclone Judy and the low-pressure system, and is likely to go on for the next two days.

Rough seas and high swells yesterday as a result of Tropical Cyclone Judy and the low-pressure system had caused a ship, MV Vatud to be washed ashore at the Kukum seafront.

“Tropical Cyclone Judy had already gone passed Vanuatu however rain clouds associated with it has joined the low-pressure system near Rennell and Bellona.

“It is also important to note that the low-pressure system has yet to develop into a cyclone maybe tomorrow (today) but it is the main cause of the current weather condition we are experiencing at the moment. It is expected to develop into a cyclone maybe tomorrow (today). But the system is expected to pass through Vanuatu Thursday (today) or Friday.

“So, we expect bad weather to go on for the next two days or so,” Hiriasia said.

Hiriasia also warned sea travelers not to travel whilst the sea is still rough until such time when the weather is fine.

A tropical disturbance is enforced for all provinces.

Meanwhile, as of 2pm yesterday the tropical low (18U) in the Coral Sea with a central pressure of 996 hectopascals was located near 12.5 degrees latitude south and 159.3 longitude east.

“This is located approximately 68 nautical miles (127 km) southwest of Rennell and Bellona province. The tropical low (18u) is expected to continue to move east-southeast at 12 knots towards Rennell and Bellona province.

“Expect gales force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63- 87 kilometers per hour) over most provinces with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (3.5 – 4.5 meters).

“Rain and thunderstorms, heavy at times is expected to continue over most provinces.

“Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

“Sea travelers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.

“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical disturbance poses threats to lives and properties.

Please share this information to people with disabilities. Please listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates.

‘SIMA in process of procuring Mammography unit for NRH’

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Pauline McNeil.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) is in the process of procuring a new mammogram machine (a low X-ray to examine human breast for diagnosis) for the National Referral Hospital.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Pauline McNeil.

McNeil said the ministry was in the process of procuring a new mammogram machine in 2022 but then Solomon Islands Maritime Association (SIMA) came on board as part of their social responsibility and decided to procure that specialised equipment.

“So, as we speak, we have signed sealed an agreement with SIMA in October 2022.

“So, the status now is, SIMA use their rules and regulations on procurement and went out to tender. Now the evaluation committee is being set up including technical officers of the NRH depending on availability of our specialist who will evaluate those bidders.

“So hopefully the tender evaluation committee meet this week to go through the tenders to progress the work to procure that machine,” she said.

McNeil clarified that one mammogram machine was donated in 2014 by a Soroptimist without consulting NRH technical persons and they went head and procured it.

“It is, so very good because it is philanthropist but we also needed a technical person to provide a specific detail of that specialised equipment so that they are able to use,” she said.

McNeil said it was functional for about four years until 2018.

She adds that the ministry is also looking at other options to procure additional ones for the provinces especially Gizo and Kilu’ufi hospitals.

McNeil echoed the above sentiments in a recent press conference held in Honiara.

Investigations of nurses selling drug launched: Larui

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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National Director of Nursing, MHMS Michael Larui. Photo by M Larui.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

INVESTIGATIONS on nurses selling drugs is in progress, says National Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Michael Larui.

Mr Larui said the investigation was launched soon after a nurse advisory group met two weeks ago.

This is because this matter was also one topics of discussion, they have exchanged words about.

“So what they initiated is, number one we prepared a memo /circular to go to all the rural health clinics and the health centers about this and investigations is now started.

“So, we have begun our investigations, at this time I don’t have any update of the investigation,” he said.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil has said selling of drugs procured and donated by the government and other donors is illegal.

“The selling o it is illegal because we actually distribute those drugs equally and equitably across all health facilities.

“Now the challenge with us, is that we don’t have the evidence, people don’t come forward with the evidence so it is difficult for us to take actions, not until we have those evidence to say that person XYZ is doing this then we can have some established facts around it but we don’t have. Probably people are scared to come forward.

“So, am also urging the public that if you have information about this selling of drugs, please come forward too so that we have other documentation and the establishment of the fact, so that we can also follow through,” McNeil said.    

MV Marina Sea fare increases

Written by
Ben Bilua
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MV Marine. Photo supplied.

BY BEN BILUA

THE Management of Easy Line Shipping Services has announced that sea fare for MV Marina will increase as of its next trip to Western Province.

One of the crew made the announcement during M.V Marina’s recent trip this week.

The crew said MV Marine will charge passenger $555 as of next week.

The crew was unable to give reasons as to why Easy Line Shipping Service Management has decided to increase its sea fare.

MV Marina’s sea fare was SBD455 and the passenger cargo boat is one among other ships that provides shipping services to Western Province.

MV Marina normally leave Honiara on Saturday and return on Monday every week.

SINA taskforce works closely with Trade Union to lift suspension

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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National Director of Nursing, MHMS Michael Larui. Photo by M Larui.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE suspended Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) is currently working closely with the registrar of Trade Union to lift the suspension.

This is according to the National Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Michael Larui.

Larui said the taskforce Chairperson and Secretary met with registry of Trade Union last week and came to an understanding where the requirements of Trade Union is to submit certain reports and returns to allow the Registry of Trade Union to consider lifting of the suspension and eventually reinstate the association.

He said prior to this they also had a meeting with Health’s permanent secretary and have submitted a request to the Attorney General through the permanent secretary.

Larui said the Attorney General advised them to submit an application to the registry of Trade union.

“In which we did, our taskforce Chair and General Secretary make submission to the registry of Trade Union and so, there was a follow-up meeting in that meeting we found that there is currently now a progress, progress in the sense that we are working very closely in the registry of Trade Union on how to address it because apart from State of Public Emergency there are also administrative issues affecting the association,” he said.

Larui adds, SINA is a professional association for nurses of the country.

During the period of the pandemic under the SOPE the association was suspended due to the action they made which was contrary to government regulations.

Cyclone Judy upgrades to category-two storm

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE


Tropical Cyclone Judy has been upgraded to category two storm as it gains momentum and moving slowly towards northern waters of Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) confirmed in Tropical cyclone warning number-five issued at 1.30pm yesterday.


SIMS also warned that the tropical low-pressure system in the Coral Sea is also approximately 410 nautical miles (761 km) west-southwest of Rennell and Bellona province.


At 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 28th February 2023) Tropical Cyclone Judy was located approximately 101 nautical miles (187 km) south of Tikopia Island.


“Cyclone Judy is moving southwest at 06 knots towards northern waters of Vanuatu and intensifying. Whilst the tropical low in the Coral Seas is moving northeast at 22 knots towards Rennell and Bellona province.


As such, SIMS warned that a tropical cyclone warning is still current for Temotu province and tropical disturbance is enforced for the remaining provinces.


“Situation: at 11:00 am (Tuesday), tropical cyclone Judy (category two) with a central pressure of 980 hectopascals was located near 14.0 degrees latitude south and 168.7 degrees longitude east. This is located approximately 101 nautical miles (187 km) south of Tikopia Island, Temotu province.


“At 11:00am (Tuesday), the tropical low in the Coral Sea with a central pressure of 1003 hectopascals was located near 12.6 degrees latitude south and 153.1 longitude east. This is located approximately 410 nautical miles (761 km) west-southwest of Rennell & Bellona province.


“Cyclone Judy is moving southwest at 06 knots towards northern waters of Vanuatu and intensifying. Whilst the tropical low in the coral seas is moving northeast at 22 knots towards Rennell and Bellona province.


“Expect gales force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63- 87 kilometers per hour) near and over whole of Temotu province and over Rennel and Bellona within in the next 24 hours with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (3.5 – 5.0 meters) and potential coastal flooding.
“Elsewhere (other provinces), expect winds of 20 to 30 knots (37- 56 kilometers per hour) increasing to 33 knots (61 kilometers per hour) with moderate to rough seas and moderate swells.


“Rain and thunderstorms, heavy at times is expected over most provinces.
“Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.


“Sea travelers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.
“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.


“People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical cyclone poses threats to lives and properties.
“Please share this information to people with disabilities.
“Please listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates. SIMS said

MHMS seeking funds for mental health facility work: PS McNeil

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Health and Medical Services is looking at locating funds to improve the mental health facility at National Referral Hospital this year.

This was after the contractor could not start work on the facility due to delay of payment after the Central Tender Board had awarded the tender already.

Permanent secretary of MHMS, Pauline McNeil said they are picking up on it this year so they can locate funds and allow construction to start.

Furthermore, McNeil said they have finalised the Mental Health policy last year and should go to Cabinet early next month, so they can have legal regulation around mental health in the country.

She said once get out of way, they can move on to legislate mental health issues.

According to Ashok N. Singh and Paul Orotaloa, mental health has been attracting increasing attention in the Solomon Islands, with growing support for the adoption of a broad national mental health policy.

Following agreement between the Ministry of Health and medical services, and the World Health Organization, a short-term consultant was mobilised from October 2008 to January 2009 to assist with the development of this policy.

As part of the intensive consultation process, over 120 individuals were interviewed, including senior national and provincial staff of the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organisations, church leaders and relatives and carers for people with mental disorders.

The feedback from a workshop and the consultation process was then incorporated into the national mental health policy.

The Mental Treatment Act 1970 consolidated the law relating to people of unsound mind and makes better provision for the care of persons suffering from mental disorders and for their custody, as well as governing the management and control of mental hospitals.

There is now an attempt to include community and primary care facilities within the remit of the Act.

The Act was amended in 1995 by two external consultants and attempts are now being made for its revision and passage through Parliament.

The country’s sole consultant psychiatrist (the second author) is responsible for the assessment of persons suffering from mental disorder under the Act. Formal mental health services in the Solomon Islands date back to 1950, when an asylum was established in Honiara, the capital.

It was principally a place for custody of anyone considered a danger to society or unable to care for themselves. In 1977, the government built a new 15-bed mental hospital on the grounds of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki, Malaita Province.

In 1984, 12 new beds were added to accommodate female patients.

Like its predecessor, the facility lacked qualified mental health staff and adequate resources.

NEW RULE,NEW RUE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

MFAET warns public not to make use of seasonal work application for financial gains

BY NED GAGAHE

Some people are charging seasonal work applicants money in exchange for helping them upload their applications online, it is reported.

And, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFAET) is warning those involved in this opportunistic activity to stop.

In a media statement yesterday MFAET warned public ‘not to capitalise on the current Labour Mobility Unit recruitment drive for financial gains’.

This new development has popped up following MFAET’s new requirement that applications for seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand under the labour mobility scheme must be submitted electronically.

MFAET has disallowed submission of applications by hand.

This entails that applicants either apply through the MFAET online application portal, or email their application documents to the MFAET labour mobility email address.

This new requirement has reportedly disadvantaged people who do not have emails, or do not access the internet, or are without savvy on the internet, computer or smart phones.

People who find themselves in such situations are forced to seek out people who can help them email their applications, or apply online.

Hence, some people are reportedly helping out but not without a fee.

“Internet is not free too!” one commentator on facebook defends this action, adding that it is only a small cash incentive in exchange for helping someone who would have otherwise not be able to launch his or her application to MFAET, since the ministry is no longer accepting delivery by hand.

MFAET yesterday said it is aware that certain individuals are going around using the process to charge people financial fees to upload their application documents in light of the two-week window which is currently open for submission from February 27 to March 10.

As such, MFAET is urging public not to capitalise on the current LMU recruitment process for financial gains.

MFAET said only registered businesses are allowed to provide such services to the public and anyone capitalising for their own benefit is breaking the law.

“Those found to be involved in such activity will be reported to the Police.” MFAET said.

Meanwhile, online and email submissions for the Labour Mobility Unit Work Ready Pool opened on Monday, February 27 and will close on March 10.

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