The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) together with the World Bank handed over the Helena Goldie Hospital Renovation and new Isolation Unit Projects of SBD 6.9 million.
Over hundreds of residences living around the Munda and North New Georgia Vona Vona Lagoon attended the ceremony together with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Minister, Hon. Paul Bosawai; Member of Parliament for West New Georgia-Vona Vona, Western Province, Mr. George Tema; World Bank (WB) Country Manager acting Mr Lode Smets and WB officials; Western Provincial Premier, Mr Billy Veo; Senior Members of the United Church Assembly; MHMS Permanent Secretary and officials; National Referral officials; Roviana Lavata Chiefs and Church Representatives and Western Province health officials and officers.
Speaking at the event, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil welcomed everyone who attended the event. She said the Helena Goldie was built by the first Methodists Missionaries in 1903.
Figure 2 Ribbon cutting in-front of the Helena Goldie Hospital Refurbished Facilities from (left – right) World Bank Country Manager acting Mr Lode Smets, MP for West New Georgia WP Mr George Tema, Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai, Western Province Premier Mr Billy Veo, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil, United Church SI Moderator Rev Amstrong Pitakanji and both JED and Super Construction Managers Mr. David Leong and Michael Leong both standing behind
“The hospital serves a big population catchment of more than 30,000 people living in the surrounding communities in North New Georgia Vona Vona Lagoon, Roviana Lagoon, Rendova and as far as Ghaetokai in Marovo”, said Mrs. McNeil.
In acknowledging the past, PS McNeil thanked the many countless health workers who have worked tirelessly in saving many lives during past years at the Helana Goldie Hospital.
However, she stated today marks a new era of celebrating the newly renovation of the HGH hospital and newly established isolation unit at the hospital, thereby fulfilling the Ministry’s aspirations of bringing improved health systems close to the people. She thanked and acknowledged all the players who played a pivotal role in ensuring funds were allocated through the support of the World Bank and construction works commenced and all throughout to the final stages and completion of the projects with the support of the community.
Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai said these achievements of the completed projects reflects our government ongoing commitment, together with our valued partners, to strengthening healthcare services and infrastructure throughout the Solomon Islands.
“It gives me great pleasure to officially handover not one, but two significant projects: the newly renovated Helena Goldie Hospital, which includes the upgraded Operating Theatre, Maternity and Labour Ward, and General Wards; and the newly constructed Isolation Unit.
“These projects have addressed critical components of hospital infrastructure—areas without which a hospital cannot function effectively. Clean, safe, and well-equipped wards create an environment where patients can receive care and recover with dignity, and where health workers can perform their duties safely and confidently. They also play a vital role in maintaining strong infection prevention and control standards, which are essential to delivering quality healthcare.
“The Maternity Ward is where life begins. It is where newborns first enter this world and mothers experience one of life’s most sacred moments. Mothers deserve a clean, secure, and comfortable space to welcome their babies—protected from harsh environmental conditions and harmful germs”, said Dr Bosawai.
He further stated, on the operating theatre, a safe and functioning Operating Theatre is a cornerstone of any hospital. It enables the timely management of common surgical cases, such as obstetric emergencies, trauma, and diabetic foot conditions. With this capacity, the need for patient referrals to higher-level facilities is reduced, ensuring quicker and more accessible care. It also allows visiting specialists to conduct more complex procedures onsite.
“As importantly, the upgraded Theatre will support better infection control, helping prevent post-operative complications and improve surgical outcomes.
“On the Isolation Unit: While hospitals are places of healing, they can also become sources of infection if proper safeguards are not in place. For diseases of public health concern, such as tuberculosis and leprosy, patients must be cared for separately to protect others. The new Isolation Unit has been purpose-built for this need”, said Dr Bosawai.
He said in light of the rise in TB cases following the COVID-19 pandemic, this facility will play a vital role in patient management, ensuring safety and quality treatment for those affected.
He further said Helana Goldie Hospital plays a vital role in delivering health care services in the region and with these new facilities countless lives will be saved.
World Bank Country Manager acting, Mr Lode Smets said he is honoured on behalf of the World Bank to celebrate the hospital’s upgrade and new isolation unit.
“This project is a result of a strong collaboration and commitment to improving healthcare to the people of this beautiful country”.
“These facilities represent our shared commitments to protecting the health and the wellbeing of our people”, said Mr Smets.
He thanked the Government of SI through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Ministry of Finance. He explained the exemplary partnership and the vision we share, that is a vision to improve the healthcare of the people of this country.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for West New Georgia – Vona Vona, Western Province, Mr George Tema; Western Provincial Premier Mr Billy Veo; United Church Assembly General Secretary, Mr Eddison Kotomae all thanked the Government through the MHMS and MoFT for mobilising the resources with the World Bank and ensuring the projects are completed on time.
Lastly, both the Super Construction Manager Mr. Michael Leong and ZED Construction Manager Mr. David Leong both thanked the MHMS and WB for the trust to construct the projects. Both thanked the Helena Goldie Hospital Management and staffs for welcoming their contractors and builders who have worked tirelessly in ensuring the projects are completed on time.
