Home Health Government Takes Action with New Budget and Medical Centre

Government Takes Action with New Budget and Medical Centre

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

BY JOY OFASIA

SOLOMON Islands is confronting an escalating health crisis, largely driven by the surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which is overwhelming the country’s healthcare system.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s speech at the official handover of the National Referral Hospital’s new Comprehensive Medical Centre underlined the gravity of the situation, highlighting how NCDs have not only become the nation’s leading cause of death but also pose a massive economic burden.

Prime Minister Manele, in his address last week, revealed the staggering costs associated with treating NCDs in the country.

“Diabetes alone now consumes 20% of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ budget.

“The average cost for an NCD-related admission is between $18,208 and $36,465, and specific treatments such as those for cardiovascular diseases can amount to up to $82,000 per patient.

“For patients needing amputations, the cost is around $58,300, and even the cost for necessary food for treatment reaches an estimated $30,000.

The Prime Minister stressed that the direct healthcare costs are only one part of the equation. NCDs also lead to substantial indirect costs, including the loss of productivity, economic instability, and emotional tolls on families.

Manele pointed out that the loss of human lives and dignity is perhaps the most significant tragedy, with many of the country’s deaths now attributed to heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. With seven out of ten deaths linked to NCDs, the ongoing crisis has the potential to derail national progress if left unchecked.

“In response to the growing threat, the Solomon Islands government has already allocated an additional SBD $17.375 million to the 2025 healthcare budget, bringing the total allocation for drugs and supplies to a record SBD $127.3 million.

“This financial boost is designed to ensure that the country’s healthcare system is adequately equipped to address both NCDs and communicable diseases, which remain a challenge in parallel.

“The government is optimistic that this move will prevent shortages in essential medicines and improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots level,” he added.

Prime Minister Manele’s statements are particularly timely, given the recent opening of the National Referral Hospital’s Comprehensive Medical Centre, funded by the People’s Republic of China.

“This new medical centre represents a monumental step forward in the country’s fight against NCDs.

“With specialized services in cardiology, nephrology, and urology, as well as advanced medical technology like CT scans and operating theatres, the facility will go a long way in reducing the need for Solomon Islanders to seek medical treatment abroad. Furthermore, it is expected to relieve pressure on the nation’s strained healthcare system by providing more specialized care locally.

The opening of the facility, combined with the substantial increase in the healthcare budget, illustrates the government’s commitment to tackling the NCD crisis head-on. However, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged that it will take concerted, long-term efforts to address the root causes of NCDs—poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

He called for a national effort, highlighting the need for public awareness campaigns and community-wide health programs aimed at prevention and lifestyle changes.

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