PEOPLE of liuaniua Islands, Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) are urging the new government to ensure the remote island has a health centre.
The call follows what they described as ‘avoidable deaths’ if a health centre is on the island.
Former provincial member for MOI Wilson Sangahu said during the Christmas period, there were 10 deaths on the Island.
“Some of the deaths could have easily been avoided once the Island has a health centre.
“This remote Island has no health centre or clinic for so long now. More than 10 years ago, basic health services were absent and we are still helpless.
“Children and even adults lost their lives when they are sick with avoidable diseases such as diarrhoea, flu and cough.”
He said the issue is very serious and must be considered by the Ministry of Health.
“Our population has increased over the years which warrant a health centre.”
Mr Sangahu said there is a health centre on the island of Pelau but is too far and also expensive for them to travel on out-boat-motor canoes (OBM).
“Sending sick people to Kilu’ufi in Malaita or the National Referral Hospital in Honiara depends on ships which sometimes visit the Island only one in one or two months.
“Ships travel to the island once a month under the government’s subsidised shipping service.
By STEPHEN DI’ISANGO