The Mataniko Dental Clinic will reopen next week after more than ten months of closure for major renovation works.
A small ceremony to celebrate its completion and reopening was held at the clinic on Wednesday.
The renovation was funded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through its Infrastructure Division at a cost of nearly half a million dollars.
As part of the upgrade, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara also donated four new dental chairs.
Speaking at the event, MHMS Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil highlighted the importance of accessible dental services for all citizens.
She said, the reopening aligns with the ministry’s strategic objective to strengthen the health system and reduce financial hardship for patients seeking essential care.
“It’s one of our strategic objectives to strengthen our health systems to ensure our people do not face financial hardship to access these services,” she said.
McNeil expressed gratitude that the renovation had been completed, noting that the clinic’s reopening would ease long queues at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) dental department.
She also outlined a broader vision to expand the clinic’s services in the future to include medical, laboratory, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services, supported by ongoing staff training.
Provincial Health Director of the Honiara City Council (HCC), Dr. Lawrence Diau described the reopening as a significant relief and a new chapter for oral health services in Honiara.
“Dental health services are one of the key areas of primary health care. It plays a big role for HCC and the country as a whole in terms of oral health care,” Dr. Diau said.
He thanked the MHMS Infrastructure Division, the clinic’s hardworking staff, and the PRC for their support and donation of new dental chairs, which he said would greatly improve patient care.
The clinic was initially closed after a Labour Officer from the HCC identified several health and safety risks that required urgent attention. These concerns prompted the full renovation.
The upgrade forms part of a wider government strategy to strengthen the national health system, improve service accessibility, and address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) more effectively.
The clinic now has four clinical dentists, including Chief Dental Officer Dr. Francis Fono, supported by two dental assistants and two cleaners.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
