RESIDENTS of Auki say they were concerned about the closure of their clinic two weeks ago.
The decision was reportedly due to staff shortage.
But a patient who was turned back from the clinic said this should not happen.
“For the clinic to be closed in the middle of the battle against measles is unacceptable,” he said.
The situation has forced residents with minor illnesses to seek medical care at the provincial referral hospital at Kilu’ufi.
But residents said to travel to Kilu’ufi costs them money.
“If it is a staff issue, why don’t they sort it out rather than closing the clinic?
“We urged health authorities to resolve the issue.”
The nurse in-charge of the clinic has told the Solomon Star the decision was caused by staff shortage issue.
“All I can say now is those who are sick must go to the nearest clinic or to Kilu’ufi Hospital.
“We will reopen when the staff situation is resolved.”
By STEPHEN DI’ISANGO
in Auki