A site visit to the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has been undertaken to view progress and discuss planning for the commencement of services at the much-anticipated facility.
Health officials and health workers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Honiara City Council (HCC) and National Referral Hospital (NRH) undertook the visit.
The tour is the first for doctors, nurses, midwives and health officials to have a walk through of the facility where they will be working when it opens next year.
The delegation was led on a tour of the facility, which now has key structures in place with the final roof to be installed in the coming weeks.
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will serve as a comprehensive hub for primary healthcare including maternal and child health services, vaccinations, and health education.
It is part of the Solomon Islands Government and Honiara City Council’s broader initiative to enhance healthcare and ensure modern, equitable health services for all, while reducing demand on the National Referral Hospital.
After the site visit, the group discussed logistical arrangements, staffing, service offerings, and community engagement strategies to ensure a smooth transition to full operations.
Deputy Secretary for Health Care, Dr Gregory Jilini said, he was pleased with the progress so far.
He acknowledged the strong collaboration and intensive planning work underway between HCC, NRH, MHMS, SIIP and DFAT oversight and technical working groups which will place the new facility on a strong footing to provide mothers, babies and local families with the very best of primary health and birthing care.
“This new facility promises a much higher quality of care for both mothers and babies, and overall, will significantly improve access to essential healthcare services for our people. Especially those living in the East of Honiara.”
While Dr Janella Solomon, NRH Medical Superintendent said the critical issue is that once completed, Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre functions smoothly for both the community and NRH.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner, Mr Andrew Schloeffel said, the project was setting a new benchmark in collaborative health service planning.
“While the Naha facility is a major new health infrastructure investment for the people of Solomon Islands, without the staff and know how to operate and maintain it, it remains just a building.
“That’s why Australia is investing time and energy, well before opening, in a confident, trained and well-supported health system to operate, maintain and take advantage of the many health benefits that this new Centre will bring.”
Construction of the SBD 250 million Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is progressing steadily with the majority Solomon Islands workforce leading the way.
Over the coming months, medical equipment, appropriate for the Solomon Islands context, will be ordered and installed, with comprehensive training in place to ensure ongoing sustainability.
– AHC
