The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Minister Dr. Paul Bosawai and People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador His Excellency Cai Weiming today visited soon to be complete the Comprehensive Medical Center.
In his remarks during the site visit, Health Minister Dr. Paul Bosawai stated that nearly one year ago, on the 15th December 2023, the previous government gathered at the site and witnessed the Ground Breaking for the Comprehensive Medical Center. He described the event was a very big step in the ministry’s efforts towards fulfilling the aspiration of improving our country’s healthcare system, and better health outcomes for our people.
“At that time, the country witnessed the ground breaking of what would be one of the biggest achievements of the Ministry of Health in terms of its quest to strengthen and improve the delivery high quality health services in the country upon its completion”.
“Indeed, that day in December of 2023 was a very historical moment and the beginning of a magnificent construction. Since, that gathering, nearly one year later, I am honoured to witness the development and progress to date. In deed it is magnificent progress to date”, said Dr Bosawai.
He highlighted the progress on the service planning is in progress with the NRH key clinical departments working with the China Medical Team to plan and position services delivery especially from the key 3 major units that is the cardiac care team, renal/ nephrology and urology care teams. Staffing planning is also in progress using the WHO Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN), a method that is based on a health worker’s workload, with activity (time) standards applied for each workload. Additionally, some clinical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are already being drafted jointly together with NRH Specialists and the Chinese Medical Team Specialists.
“On internal works, I believe this is also in progress and it is visible now to the general public. The external work such as the road, fencing and drainage are due in the next few days and weeks. I understand that some equipment for the facility are already in country”, said Dr Bosawai.
However, the Honourable Minister stated that what is now critical going forward to beef up future areas of needs for both sides are;
a. The need to consider capacity development in the 3 areas of subspecialist areas including biomedical
b. The need to consider Chinese Medical Team placement and transition but also consideration for provincial placements in Gizo and Kiluufi hospitals
c. The need to consider addition support in IT, patient management and information system and accreditation and quality assurance
d. The need to consider short term observation attachments in China
e. The need to consider extended training to develop nursing and allied health capacity.
Dr Bosawai then thanked the NRH CEO and his Executive for ongoing support and guidance to the contractor and our SOEs, the MHMS Liaison Officer for continuous update to Health Permanent Secretary and MHMS Executive.
He again thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for partnering with us in undertaking this important and what would be a magnificent building of the Ministry of Health, the Government of Solomon Islands and the people of Solomon Islands.
“We are extremely proud of the development and progress and what we have all achieved together to date. The commitment demonstrated to date on this project is commendable”, said Dr Bosawai.
Meanwhile, PRC Ambassador H.E Cai Weiming acknowledged the Health Minister and Health Executive for visiting the site. He assured the Minister that the Comprehensive Medical Center has come to its finishing stage. He outlined the expected completion date will be before the end of January.
“I am sure the project will play an important role, including local medical practitioners and all high-quality diagnosis services to all Solomon Islanders in the near future”, said H.E Cai.
He expressed his gratitude to the Health Minister and his team for their continuous support to the contractor of the project, and acknowledged the contractor for its hard-work to the project.
