THE completed first phase of the Tulagi Hospital Renovation Project has been handed over by the World Bank, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the constructor Super Construction Company Limited to the Central Islands Provincial Government.
The handover ceremony was held on Friday 1 November.
This Hospital Renovation Project worth SBD9.6 million was funded by the World Bank under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) secured this funding from the World Bank through the Fast Track COVID-19 Response Program for the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (C19 ERP Project).
The Project reflects the emergency response under the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Program (SPRP).
The Project aims to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and to strengthen national health systems for public health preparedness for future outbreaks in Solomon Islands to improve general healthcare services.
The Tulagi sub-project is vital to strengthen the health system in the country, given the hospital’s run-down state which poses risk of poor health services and diminished resilience against potential future transmission of COVID-19 and/or other fatal disease outbreaks.
The renovation work includes the demolition of old building structures and installation of new structures and associated fittings and proper disposal of wastes.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Deputy Secretary, Dr Gregory Jilini said the completion of the first phase of the Tulagi Hospital Renovation Project was made possible through the cooperation of donor partners – World Bank, National Government, Provincial Government, the Constructor and Communities.
“This occasion marks another break-through and demonstrate the importance of cooperation and the partnership with the key government ministries, donor partner (World Bank), the provincial government, contractors and the communities.”
Dr Jilini added, “we need each other to enable us to deliver our tangible output whether be in the health sector, communities and provinces.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, I wish to convey my appreciation to donor partner World Bank and through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for going the extra mile to help improve and strengthen the health system and services.”
Health Specialist of World Bank Solomon Islands, Wayne Irava stated that the success of this first phase of the Tulagi Hospital Renovation Project is a testament of commitment to health safety and progress in Tulagi.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the future of healthcare in Tulagi and also in Solomon Islands.
“It is a reminder of what can be achieved by people and organizations working together on a shared vision for a healthier and more resilient future for all.”
Mr Irava added that the Tulagi Hospital is more than a structure of cements and woods but the sanctuary of healing for those who walk through the doors of the hospital.
He acknowledged the Government of Central Islands Province and the National Government of Solomon Islands for the partnership that they have with the World Bank on health development.
“I want to thank the Project Manager and the Team for coordinating all the rest of us to make this happen,” he further added.
Mr Irava also stated that the success of this first phase of the project is a step forward for a brighter future for families and communities.
Premier of Central Province, Michael Salini said, Tulagi Hospital is the oldest hospital in the country.
He said it started from a leaf-thatched roofed house in 1912 when Tulagi was the seat of British Protectorate administration and has been developed over the years.
“The hospital currently serves around more than 30,000 people in Tulagi, including the surrounding communities stretching from Gela archipelago in the southeast to Russel Islands in the northwest.
“The Renovation Project no doubt will ensure improved healthcare for our people of Central Province,” Premier Salini added.
Premier Salini acknowledged MHMS and the World Bank for their significant contributions under this project.
“We are speechless and have no words to best describe our appreciation and would simply say Tagio tumas sule ngangata World Bank,” he added.
The project implementation is managed by the Project Management Unit (PMU) within the MHMS.
Super Construction Company Limited will complete the final works on the hospital renovation project in mid-December.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
