BY JOY OFASIA
THE Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) promises its enhancement towards the medical services in the Solomon Islands as one of its flagship policies if they formed the next government.
This was highlighted by the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) leader and former leader of opposition Matthew Wale during the launch of the Campaign Platform of the Coalition for Accountability, Reforms, and Empowerment (CARE) between the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Former opposition leader Wale plans to improve services at National Referral Hospital (NRH), Gizo Hospital, and Kilufi Hospital under a CARE government by ensuring consistent supply of essential medicines, medical staff, and equipment.
He said restocking of drug supplies will be prioritized, which is a crucial step towards enhancing healthcare access and improving health outcomes.
Wale also said the Emergency Department at the National Referral Hospital will be expanded and equipped with equipment, beds, and staff to reduce waiting time for patients to see a doctor.
“The CARE government has to ensure that no more patients have to sleep on the floor in the emergency department of the hospital. Additional beds will be created in the number of wards immediately within the first 200 days of the CARE government,” he said.
Furthermore, the CARE government aims to improve provincial hospitals.
“There are many patients who have been transferred to the NRH because there are no proper diagnoses in the health centers in the provinces. This must be addressed to prevent them from traveling far distances in order to access efficient health care.
“Provincial hospitals will have staff with adequate numbers of relevant health professionals, and provincial hospitals will also be provided with sea ambulances so that they can carry people to and from the hospitals,” Wale added.
SIDP wing leader encouraged people to make no mistake to vote a government that deceive the interest of the people.
“We have a government that deceives the interests of the people to serve the interests of a few. Good people of the Solomon Islands make no mistake. Such a government will not serve the interests of the people,” Wale said.
CARE is a party coalition formed under the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 between the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), led by the former leader of opposition Matthew Wale, and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), led by Rick Houenipwela, a former MP for Small Malaita.
