The clinical fit-out of the state-of-the-art Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is now underway, ahead of the facility’s opening in the first half of 2026.
Last week, Australia’s then High Commissioner accompanied the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon Cathy Nori, and the Lord Mayor of Honiara City, Eddie Siapu, on a tour of the facility.
Minister Nori praised the facility for meeting the needs of Solomon Islands’ growing population.
“This facility will not only benefit our women and children, but through the Urban Health Centre, our men and boys too,” Minister Nori said.
“This modern, high-quality facility is truly a gift. Equipped with our trained staff and modern equipment, the new centre will improve health care for Honiara mothers and meet the general health needs of Honiara’s growing population.”
Honiara City Council (HCC) Medical Services Director, Dr Lawrence Diau, briefed guests on the behind-the-scenes work of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara City Council (HCC) and National Referral Hospital (NRH) to get the workforce ready to operate the centre after handover in April next year.
The then Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said completing the Naha facility had been a priority during his tenure as Australia’s representative to Solomon Islands.
“This one-stop-shop for family health and birthing is a game-changer for Solomon Islands, and the end is now in sight,” Mr Hilton said.
“Over 200 highly skilled Solomon Island workers have delivered a first-class, climate-smart and earthquake-resilient facility in under two years.
“However, a building is just a building without staff, equipment and operating procedures. Australia continues to work shoulder to shoulder with the Ministry of Health, HCC and NRH to get the doors open as soon as possible after handover and operational testing next year.”
The Naha complex features two separate buildings. One is an Urban Health Centre, providing outpatient services including nine outpatient rooms, two dental chairs, and X-ray, ultrasound, pathology and pharmacy services, while the 24/7 Birthing Centre has five private birthing suites and 17 inpatient beds to cater for birthing services for non-complicated births.
The facility will open in stages to ensure patient safety and health care.
The Urban Health Centre will open first, followed by the Birthing Centre.
Australia is supporting construction, clinical equipment and operational planning for the centre to ensure a ‘turnkey’ project that is ready to serve Honiara upon handover.
– AHC
