THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) would like to respond to the statement made by the Office of the Opposition Leader on their recent visit to Gizo Hospital, that raises a few concerns about primary healthcare needs and the hospital’s laboratory and x-ray machines’ ongoing disruptions.
In response to the statement, MHMS would like to clarify that the main floor-mounted X-ray Unit in Gizo Hospital, which uses computed radiography (CR), became faulty in October 2023. This Xray Unit comprises of two components: the Xray machine hardware (Xray table and Xray tube) and a computed Radiography (CR) reader for scanning the images on to a computer.
However, the CR reader component of the Xray unit became faulty in October 2023, affecting X-ray services in Gizo. Attempts to fix the reader were unsuccessful, due to the fact that the CR reader and its parts are now obsolete and no longer manufactured. This is due to the fact that most Xray units worldwide are now using digital technology to capture and process Xray images.
Shortly after, in mid-2024, a digital mobile X-ray machine was sent to Gizo from NRH Medical Imaging Department to alleviate the issue. X-ray services were restored until the mobile machine became faulty again towards the end of 2024.
A second mobile Xray unit was then sent down from NRH Medical Imaging department in February of this year, 2025.
National Referral Hospital, Medical Imaging Department, Chief Radiographer, Ms. Loretta Maeohu explained, “There has been ongoing consultation between Shimadzu engineers and NRH biomedical engineers with regards to repairing the faulty mobile Xray machine.
“NRH Biomed officer, Douglas Rerese who has planned to go on provincial duty travel, as part of his ongoing support to the Provinces is now confirmed to fly down to Gizo tomorrow to set up the mobile X-ray machine that was recently sent down and also to repair the faulty one”, said Ms. Maeohu.
She further explained that Mobile Xray machines are made for light work, such as bedside x-rays in the ward, and not for intense daily use. Also, mobile Xray machines use batteries which can get depleted faster with frequent use.
Unfortunately, this is one of the faults that was initially found with the mobile machine that was sent down to Gizo in 2024.Consequently, over time, mobile Xray machines are prone to wear and tear.
Learning from these lessons and going forward, the best option for the MHMS would be to purchase a digital floor mounted Xray unit for Gizo Hospital as well other Provincial Hospitals because it serves a large population but more so in keeping up with the global practices and standards.
Meanwhile, despite the ongoing criticism from the public, MHMS remains committed to ensuring healthcare services across the country meet the needs of all Solomon Islanders. Biomedical support for our provincial hospitals is one of those needs.
