The National Referral Hospital (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) has officially opened for patients on Thursday, 5th June 2025.
This following a four months delay after it was handed over by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Government to Solomon Islands Government on January 24, 2025.
Speaking at a small ceremony to mark the opening, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said there was a slight delay in connecting the main electricity to the building, and some preparations and planning were progressing by the National Referral Hospital Specialist Task Force along with the 3rd and 4th China Medical Team.
He said, by 6th June midday, Solomon Power finally linked the building to the permanent power supply.
“Now it’s ready to see patients in the building and as of today, it will come to life”.
Minister Bosawai said this hospital is a testament to the Government’s National Strategic Plan (NSP), which envisions the strengthening of healthcare institutions for the betterment of our people.
He further stressed, in preparation for the operation of the CMC, our management and specialist taskforce have diligently calculated staffing requirements for the four areas of speciality care, including cardiology, nephrology, and urology.
“We are aiming for a projected total of 167 staff members to ensure the full functionality of this specialist care facility.
The People’s Republic of China, Ambassador H.E Mr Cai Weiming said healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet access remains a challenge for many.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and SI, China has provided support to Solomon Islands in areas such as the construction of medical infrastructure, assistance in the medical supplies, and the capacity-building for professional medical staff.
“In January – this year, China handed over CMC to SI. Equipped with modern facilities and staffed by dedicated professionals, it will serve as a lifeline for SI, providing critical care to thousands. It reflects our shared belief that no one should suffer due to lack of medical attention”, said H.E Weiming.
As part of supporting the operations of the CMC, the PRC government has donated medical supplies batch worth of $168,000SBD.
