BY NED GAGAHE
A team of specialist surgeons from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) have successfully completed a week-long Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgical mission at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), providing life-changing treatment for patients while helping to build local specialist capacity.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said the mission builds on successful outreach visits in 2024 and 2025, with Australian specialists working alongside Solomon Islands clinicians to deliver advanced surgical care and strengthen the country’s ENT services, the Ministry said in a statement posted on their Facebook page yesterday.
During the week-long mission, the visiting team carried out 11 operations, including six major and five minor ear surgeries.
The specialists also worked around intensive outpatient clinics, assessing patients with a range of ENT conditions, reducing waiting lists and establishing follow-up care for those requiring ongoing treatment.
One of the mission’s most significant success stories involved an 11-year-old child who had been unable to attend school because of hearing loss.
Following successful surgery, the child regained hearing and is now able to return to school.
ENT Lead Surgeon, Dr Nirmal Patel, said the mission reflects RACS’ ongoing commitment to improve access to specialist surgical care across the Pacific.
“The success of this mission underscores RACS’ commitment to strengthening surgical systems and improving equitable access across the Pacific.
“By working closely with our colleagues at NRH, we are delivering immediate care while transferring skills that support long-term, sustainable outcomes,” Dr Patel said.
Beyond patient care, the mission also focused on developing local expertise.
RACS specialists and Solomon Islands health leaders have advanced plans to establish an ENT specialist training programme for local doctors, which is expected to begin in 2027.
The initiative aims to build a sustainable local workforce and reduce reliance on overseas specialists.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the mission demonstrates the strength of the health partnership between the two countries.
“This mission demonstrates the real power of collaboration. Working side by side, Australian and Solomon Islands health teams are delivering life-changing care today while building the skills and systems needed for tomorrow,” Mr Roach said.
The mission was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Pacific Specialised Clinical Health Services Program.
MHMS thanked the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Australian Government and staff of the National Referral Hospital for their continued support to improve access to quality specialist healthcare for Solomon Islanders.
Photo credit: MHMS
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