The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil together with members of her senior executive management and on behalf of the Health Minister Last week Thursday, 30th October 2025 met the high-level Health Delegation of Guizhou Province, China, at the Comprehensive Medical Center.
Her Excellency Ms. Tan Zheng, Secretary of the Health Commission of Guizhou Province and team leader, led the delegation of nine who arrived in Honiara on 29th October, 2025.
At the meeting, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil welcomed and acknowledged the delegation as valued partners and colleagues whose unwavering support continues to strengthen shared vision for healthcare excellence. “Your commitment and expertise are instrumental in advancing our mutual goals.” she said.
“Since the signing of the medical cooperation agreement with the People’s Republic of China in October 2021, and more recently, the collaboration with the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University under the guidance of the Health Commission of Guizhou Province in October 2023, we have witnessed remarkable progress. This partnership has fostered the exchange of medical knowledge, enhanced professional relationships, and promoted meaningful cultural integration within our healthcare community.
“The China Medical Team which began its dedicated service in February 2022, has made significant contributions to patient care, capacity building, and the overall development of our health system. Their expertise and passion have enriched our clinical practices and inspired our staff.
“Annual visits have further strengthened our ties, including the July 2023 delegation led by Dr. Sun Fa and last year’s in August 2024 delegation headed by Wang Shijie. These exchanges have provided invaluable opportunities for experience sharing and professional growth”, said Mrs. McNeil.
She extends the ministry’s sincere gratitude for the dedication and commitment for furthering the spirit of cooperation and friendship between the two institutions.
She further highlighted her appreciation to some of the progress made by the 4th CMT and local teams at NRH following the opening and commencement of the specialist care at the Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC) to the public in June 2025.
“Following the opening in June 2025, the specialist consultants’ clinics opened to the public through the review clinics, and in soon after, the first-ever coronary stent implantation surgery in Solomon Islands was done here in Honiara at the CMC. We should take it as a milestone in the healthcare system. Also, the first-ever holmium laser lithotripsy for bladder stones was done here very recently.
“The return of the 9 NRH staff from Guiyang from the 3-month clinical attachments at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, is a significant achievement. Their return is instrumental to the full functioning of the Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC).
“These accomplishments highlight the dedication and expertise of both the China Medical Team and our local healthcare professionals. The successful starting of advanced procedures such as coronary stent implantation surgery and holmium laser lithotripsy demonstrates the growing capacity of our medical services. Furthermore, the experience gained by the NRH staff during their clinical attachments will greatly contribute to improved patient care and the overall development of the CMC”, said Mrs. McNeil.
She added, dear friends, this is just the beginning of our care path for the people in need of services that were previously not available in country.
“With the establishment of the CMC and the provision of new services, complications related to NCDs such as kidney failures, heart problems and urological diseases and conditions due to diabetes and hypertension can now be better managed”, said Mrs. McNeil.
However, she said she cannot deny that starting a new, particularly a tertiary and super-specialist care, is not challenge-free. There were unforeseen setbacks experienced by both the NRH and CMC.
“These included some technical incompatibility and a lack of necessary consumables. However, I am immensely grateful that we have made significant progress—now, the clinics are operating at full strength, the Catheter lab and interventions have commenced, and operations have begun following the first successful procedure. The only major service pending, which should begin soon, is dialysis treatment, and we look forward to its implementation as the next milestone in expanding our patient care services.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to further enhancing our medical capacity and outreach. By strengthening our clinical expertise and investing in advanced technologies, we aim to provide comprehensive care for an increasing number of patients affected by these chronic conditions. Our goal is not only to address immediate health needs but also to build a resilient healthcare system that can adapt to future challenges and serve our communities effectively”, said Mrs. McNeil.
She reaffirms the ministry’s appreciation for the partnership and shared commitment to expanding healthcare collaboration for the benefit of our communities.
Her Excellency Ms. Tan Zheng, Secretary of the Health Commission of Guizhou Province said it is with pleasure to visit the beautiful Solomon Islands.
