LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has raised serious concerns regarding the lack of medical personnel and health services in Sikaiana, Malaita province.
Hon Wale was responding to a media statement from the MPA of Ward 33 Hon Lemuel Kevianga that people on the island are in dire need of a nurse and have been without proper medical care since October last year.
The Leader of Opposition has questioned why such serious issue has not been addressed and ignored by health authorities.
“Why is this serious matter ignored and only known to authorities through the media? Its been 11 months and when such serious matters regarding health services goes unnoticed it is no longer an oversight but pure negligence,” Hon Wale said.
Hon Wale said not having a nurse on Sikaiana since October 2024 is not only inexcusable but also unacceptable.
The Leader of Opposition has called on the health ministry to address this issue with urgency.
“One could imagine similar situations around other provinces in the country, maybe it’s worse than Sikaiana,” Hon Wale said.
The Opposition Leader also encouraged the ministry to consider the increase of number of nurses in such locations.
“Build proper homes for our nurses in our remote islands and equip our health care centres with sufficient medical supplies. Sikaiana is a less populated island so it should be easier to manage if prioritised,” he said.
Hon Wale also encouraged the government to establish community health volunteer schemes for basic healthcare and community outreach as part of its primary health care policy.
“Provide appropriate training to these volunteers on basic health care services. Such knowledge will come a long way in helping communities and families especially in our remote areas,” he said.
– Opposition Press
