Dr Howard Marau brings deep clinical experience to his leadership. He completed his MBBS in Fiji in 2008, worked in Gizo from 2013 to 2015, and returned to Fiji to specialise in anaesthesia in 2018. Since 2016 he has served within the Solomon Islands health system, and in March 2025 he stepped into the role of Clinical Lead for Clinical Governance.
This year, Dr Marau completed training through the Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG), supported by the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership. The program has been highly beneficial, building practical capability in risk management, quality improvement, and accountability systems that translate directly to better patient care.
Dr Howard Marau reflection on his recent clinical governance journey, one theme stands out: ‘quality systems and structures save lives.’
“The learnings were new at the recent clinical governance training; I was exposed to new concepts but concepts that are much needed for us. We are working on the frontline daily and attending these workshops made it clear that a structured way of delivery can lead to even better outcomes for patients,” he says.
The upcoming high-level clinical governance training on 11th of November 2025 will build on the foundations set by AICG and the June program, further sharpening the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ work program to deliver a National Model Clinical Governance Framework. With senior leaders engaged and clinical champions like Dr Marau leading implementation, Solomon Islands is taking practical, coordinated steps to embed safe, reliable, and accountable care across the system.
Crucially, Dr Marau sees leadership alignment as the catalyst for system-wide change.
“Having our senior leaders in the health system such as the Minister of Health and Permanent Secretary attend the high-level clinical governance training would lead to everyone being on the same page on what we should be rolling out in the wider health sector. Having a National Model Clinical Governance Framework is one of the top deliverables in the MHMS strategic plan and it’s great to know that our leaders are part of this important journey.”
That alignment is now within reach.
From waiting rooms to the policy table, Dr Marau’s path underscores a simple truth: when clinical governance is done well—when structures, standards, and teams are aligned—patient safety and quality care wins.
– MHMS
In photo: Left to Right: Frank Kade (Health Partnership Coordinator), Dr Howard Marau (Clinical Lead for Clinical Governance at NRH) and A/Prof Arish Naresh (Clinical Governance Advisor)
