The cost of caring for a patient diagnosed with a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) can range between $3,000 and $7,000 per week.
This is posing a major burden on both the health system and affected families.
Western Provincial Health and Medical Services (WPHMS) Director, Dr. Dickson Boara, confirmed this during an interview with the Solomon Star.
Dr. Boara said the number of NCD cases in the province has been increasing significantly every year, describing the trend as “very serious” for both the Western Province and the country as a whole.
“NCD cases are real especially diabetes, which is claiming lives. These are dangerous diseases, and all age groups and genders are now affected,” Dr. Boara said.
He said that some patients remain in hospital for up to six months and even more, and the total cost of treatment for a single person over that period can range from $10,000 to $30,000.
“It is quite expensive because it covers various services such as wound cleaning, dressing, drug administration, and other treatments provided by the hospital, under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” he explained.
He said the cost of keeping a patient with a non-communicable disease (NCD) admitted to a hospital in the Solomon Islands includes both direct health system expenses and indirect costs to the family.
“This is a very critical issue that everyone needs to be aware of,” said Dr. Boara.
“Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is one of the key ways to stay healthy and prevent NCDs and other illnesses.”
He emphasized that good health is not only about diet, but also about maintaining a balanced lifestyle—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
According to the NCD Unit at Gizo Hospital, a majority of hospital beds are currently occupied by patients suffering from NCDs, with many of the cases coming from neighboring islands surrounding Gizo.
Dr. Boara emphasized the importance of public awareness and early prevention, warning that if the current trend continues, the country’s already limited health resources will be further strained.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
