Serious allegations involving senior staff at Kilu’ufi Hospital have raised questions about accountability, internal oversight, and the apparent failure of authorities to act months after reports of misconduct surfaced.
Reports indicate that on the night of 6 November 2025, a senior officer of Kilu’ufi Hospital allegedly consumed alcohol within the compound of the National Psychiatric Unit after working hours.
On the same night, another senior staff member is alleged to have deliberately damaged a hospital vehicle, registration number G4294, which was parked beside the prosthetics laboratory container within the hospital compound.
The alleged incidents, involving alcohol use in a sensitive psychiatric facility and the destruction of government property, have sparked concern among hospital staff and the wider public.
However, despite the seriousness of the claims, no disciplinary action has reportedly been taken, and both officers remain on duty.
Malaita Province Health Authority Director Dr David Danitofea confirmed that the hospital vehicle was indeed damaged on the night of 6 November 2025.
“Information that reached my office indicated that the damage was caused by a senior officer at the hospital,” Dr Danitofea said.
He confirmed that he carried out an internal inquiry and questioned the officer suspected of damaging the vehicle. However, the officer denied responsibility.
Dr Danitofea also confirmed that he investigated separate reports of alcohol consumption within the National Psychiatric Unit on the same night.
The staff member accused of drinking alcohol inside the hospital compound also denied the allegation.
However, the incident was widely known among hospital staff.
Dr Danitofea confirmed that the matter was reported to police in Auki.
A copy of the police report sighted by this paper alleges that the damage to the hospital vehicle was committed by the Assistant Director of the National Psychiatric Unit.
In the report, Dr Danitofea wrote:
“I will be grateful if police can investigate and charge the person responsible for damaging this government asset.”
However, despite the report being lodged, police have yet to commence an investigation.
Malaita Province Acting Police Commander Michael Ramosae confirmed that police received the report but said no investigation had begun.
When questioned about the delay, Mr Ramosae said police require “proper and complete reporting” before proceeding with an investigation.
Dr Danitofea confirmed that he has formally communicated both allegations to senior officials within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
He said the matter is now with the Ministry’s Human Resources Management Division.
However, a month after the alleged incidents, there has been no visible action, raising concerns among hospital staff about double standards and a lack of accountability for senior officers.
Several hospital staff members told Solomon Star that the unresolved matter is affecting morale and undermining trust in management.
“These are serious allegations involving alcohol use in a psychiatric unit and the destruction of hospital property,” one staff member said on condition of anonymity.
“They should not be ignored, especially when ordinary staff are often disciplined for far less.”
Another staff member called on the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to urgently dispatch an independent investigation team to Kilu’ufi Hospital.
“This is a public hospital serving vulnerable patients. If these allegations are not addressed properly, it sends the wrong message and puts public trust at risk,” the staff member said.
The case has now become a test of accountability for hospital management, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and law enforcement agencies.
Observers say a failure to act decisively risks normalising misconduct and eroding confidence in the public health system.
As of publication, both staff members implicated in the allegations continue to perform their duties, and no disciplinary or criminal proceedings have been initiated.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
