BY JOHN CHRISMA
PEOPLE from Fox Bay Village in the West Guadalcanal have again called on the government to consider their plight.
Concerns raised were with regards to the run-down Fox Bay Rural Health Clinic which has closed since last year, 2020.
According to Village Chief, Mr. William Kara, the clinic was built way back in 1982 and operated till last year, when it closed down due to a shortage of medical supplies and some other reasons.
Chief William Kara said sick people from the clinic’s catchment area have to walk long distances in-order to get treatment in neighbouring rural health clinics in Wanderer Bay and Tangarare.
“The closing down of the clinic is a major issue for us taking into account the distance and money spent on fuel for the out-boat motor engine and other costs which might incur to reach Wanderer Bay and Tangarare Rural health Clinics,” Chief Kara said.
He further added that several deaths around their area are related to no available transport to the two health Clinics.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Guadalcanal province Medical and health unit has assured that they are looking forward to reopening the clinic in early 2022.
The statement said the reason for the closing down of the clinic is because of an issue with the nurse in charge of the clinic and some local people there.
“We have visited Fox Bay clinic and conducted probe the issue and according to our plan, the clinic should be opening its door by early 2022 to continue its normal health services.
Health minister Dr. Culwick Togamana when contributing to the motion of no-confidence on Monday 6th December, said all provinces and provincial hospitals have two or more medical doctors except for Renbel.
He said medical doctors are also posted in three Area Health Centres; Tingoa, Marau, and Tangarare.
Togamana said through the Japanese grant aid, provincial hospitals and primary health care have been equipped.
“Stethoscopes with blood pressure machines and other medical machines have been distributed to strengthen the provincial health services,” Dr. Culwick Togamana said.
