Konide, Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, Thursday 13 November 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele officially launched the new Konide Area Health Centre to improve healthcare access for local communities.
The new facility replaces the old Konide clinic, built in 1986 with funding from the Isabel Provincial Government. After serving the community for more than three decades, the old facility fell into disrepair and was naturally closed in 2018. Since then, an estimated 4,000 residents from Konide and surrounding communities, from Momotu to Kava, have relied on the Susubona Rural Health Clinic for medical services.
“Good health is necessary for the enjoyment of life because without it, human development and societal progress will not be possible. Therefore, we have all the reasons to be happy today as we mark the completion of something that is critical for achieving good health and preservation of life itself,” the Prime Minister said.
The Konide AHC project was tendered through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in June 2023, following the post-COVID-19 recovery period. The facility aligns with the Role Delineation Policy, which provides a framework for universal health coverage. As an Area Health Centre, it can offer services previously only available at hospitals, reducing delays in patient referrals to Buala Provincial Hospital.
Prime Minister Manele highlighted the government’s commitment to health infrastructure, reflected in the largest ever MHMS recurrent budget increase from SBD 400 million in 2024 to SBD 700 million in 2025. He encouraged posting medical officers and other professionals, such as dentists, to Konide to ensure equitable access to quality care for all residents.
“I therefore recommend to the Isabel Provincial Health Services and MHMS to consider posting a medical officer to Konide to serve the Southern side of Isabel so that the very sick who need to be seen by a medical doctor do not have to travel to Buala or Honiara. Similarly, other health professionals like dentists and others can be added to the staffing of this health facility to ensure equity in access to health care services”, PM Manele said.
He acknowledged the contributions of Minister for Health & Medical Services Hon. Dr. Paul Bosawai and the MHMS executive team, the provincial government, local chiefs, elders, and church leaders, as well as the contractor Solomon Sheet Steel Ltd for their high-quality workmanship. He also praised women, youth, and children who helped organize a festive and memorable opening ceremony.
“I appeal to the community to care for this facility, respect it, and support the health workers so that it serves its intended purpose for many years as a place of healing for the sick,” the Prime Minister said.
The launching program was celebrated with speeches, music, dancing, and food, bringing together the people of Konide and surrounding communities to witness this milestone in health service delivery.
The Konide Area Health Centre, which includes a staff house, is equivalent to a mini hospital and represents a major investment in rural health services. Fully funded by the Solomon Islands Government at a cost of SBD 20 million, the facility will open its doors to the people of Isabel Province once the necessary medical equipment, furniture, and other essential facilities are in place.
Key attendees included the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Paul Bosawai, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon. Jimson Tanangada, Premier of Isabel Province Hon. Lawrence Hayward, Deputy Secretary Health Care, Dr. Gregory Jilini and Provincial Director for Nursing Mr. Frederick Martin Gavira.
