The Kukum Area Health Centre in Honiara will reopen for health and medical services as of next Monday 18th August 2025 after being closed for two years for renovation work valued at SBD22million.
This was announced on Thursday at the its handover ceremony from the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands to the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Honiara City Council (HCC), at the Kukum Area Health Centre road.
The renovated Kukum Area Health Centre is funded by the Government of Australia with over SBD2.2 million, along with additional SBD 379, 437 worth of brand new medical equipment, new furniture, and computers, that will soon arrive in the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, MHMS Minister, Dr. Paulson Popora Bosawai said, the ceremony marks the return of a vital facility that serves not only the average of Kukum population, but the surrounding communities, providing health care for between 35,000 to 42,000 per year.
He added that for many years, there hasn’t been any form of major renovation for the Kukum clinic, and for almost two years ago, the donors of the health centre remained closed due to the deterioration conditions of the health building.
“This was not an easy period for the community, as many had to travel for medical care in other health facilities, including the National Referral Hospital,” Bosawai said.
“Kukum Clinic is now renewed, modernized, and ready to once again deliver life-saving services to our good people of Honiara,” he added.
Minister Bosawai acknowledged the Australian enduring friendship with Solomon Islands which is a testament in further demonstrating collective efforts and shared commitment in ensuring that Solomon Islands have a health facility that is safe for patients as well as for health workers who will discharge their duties and deliver health services for the people of Solomon Islands in a safe environment.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Rod Hilton remarked that the handover and reopening of the health centre is an example of what can be achieved together in the partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
He said, that Australia is looking forward for the handing over of Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, early next year, which is another of many health facilities it funded in the country over the years.
He added that new health infrastructures improvements, particularly new urban health facilities in Honiara will take off pressure from the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and will make better focus on caring for the high need patients and those who are referred from all around Solomon Islands.
The clinic’s renovation work was done by Super Contractor, headed by its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Leung who acknowledged the handover ceremony as a milestone for the people of Honiara to access better health and medical services.
The renovation works included demolition of damaged sections, installations of new floors, roofs, windows, walls, doors and ceilings.
Upgrade plumbing, cabinet, drainage systems, ramps and termite treatment, and also landscaping and the construction of new fencing.
With the reopening of the clinic, health workers are ready to pursue a full range of essential services, including, maternal and child health services, such as antenatal and postnatal reproductive health and newborn care, ultrasound, vaccination and immunization programs, both in clinics and schools, care for non-communicable disease screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases, also including malaria, tuberculosis, sexual transmitted infections, dengue and HIV.
Primary care screening, refraction and referrals, basic emergency and trauma care, outpatient services, including doctor consultations and referrals, community outreach services for those that are unable to visit the clinic, and also provide overlap shifts, extended hours which if from 3pm 11pm.
Kukum Area Health Centre opens from Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 11pm, and on weekends and public holidays, from 8am to 4pm.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
