The Kilu’ufi Mental Health Unit in Malaita Province continues to operate despite major challenges, including the absence of a full-time medical officer to oversee patients.
The facility, which serves hundreds of patients from Malaita, Honiara, and other provinces each year, has been without a dedicated doctor for some time.
This has placed an increasing burden on nurses and support staff, who continue to work under difficult conditions to ensure services are maintained.
Dr. Rex Maukera, Psychiatrist Supervisor at the Mental Health Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), told the Solomon Star in an interview that while the unit still operates, the situation is worrying.
“Mental health patients require specialized care and regular follow-ups with a medical officer.
“Without one, the workload shifts heavily to the nursing staff, who are already stretched,” Dr. Maukera said.
Despite these challenges, the staff at Kilufi remain committed, attending to patients and monitoring medication.
However, they are unable to carry out much-needed awareness and community outreach programs that could help reduce mental health issues in local communities.
“This is because there is also logistics challenges we face and other factors.
“Kilufi plays a vital role, but it urgently needs government attention. Without proper staffing, particularly a medical officer, it risks being overwhelmed,” Dr. Maukera added.
Health officials are now calling on the government through the health ministry to prioritize the posting of a medical officer to Kilu’ufi, stressing that mental health remains one of the country’s most neglected but fastest-growing health challenges.
In October last year, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai signed an agreement with Kitano Construction Corporation for the refurbishment of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki.
The SBD120 million Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project will see the upgrading of around six hospital buildings, including the construction of a new Central Clinical Building and Delivery Unit, as well as improvements in medical equipment to strengthen health services.
Meanwhile, Malaita provincial health statistics reveal that 55 percent of health facilities in the province have not undergone any renovation in the past five years, while 41 percent have seen only minor upgrades.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
