BURNS CREEK clinic in Malango Ward in Guadalcanal Province has reopened this morning after it closed its door indefinitely early this week to allow for police investigation.
This followed a burglary that occurred over the weekend at the clinic. The incident has been described as a dishonourable act.
Dr. Ray Seleso, Supervising Director for Health and Medical Services for the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in a statement this morning said, the culprit who broke in at the Burns Creek clinic pharmacy and removed essential drugs has been arrested earlier this week.
“Clinic is now reopened! Thank you GP police and Burns Creek community for all your cooperation!
“This is a warning to all communities around GP, we will not tolerate such actions and we will take full responsibility for your actions!” he said.
On Tuesday he told Solomon Star in an interview that GP closed the clinic on Monday for investigation.
“Yes, we close the clinic for police investigation,” said Dr Seleso.
Burnscreek clinic is under the supervision of the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Authority.
The general public condemned the incident, calling it a ‘shameful act.’
Intruders gained after removing louvres off the clinic’s window.
The motive for the burglary were unknown.
However, the robbers took number of essential medical drugs.
Due to this break-in, the clinic was forced to close, disallowing patients to visit it.
The action not only underscored the rising crime in Honiara but also put the lives of people at stake, as medical health is very important.
The Burnscreek clinic was completely built by members of the Fijian contingent serving under the Solomon Islands Assistance Force (SIAF), who were here in the country to assist the country during the November 2021 riot.
East Honiara Constituency initially built the clinic but halted the construction around 2010 due to internal issues within the Burns Creek community.
The completed facility was handed over to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, when he was the then PM by Commander Lieutenant Colonel Toanikeve in 2022.
It was a gift on behalf of the people and Government of Fiji to the people and Government of Solomon Islands.
After four years of this fruitful and joyous event, burglars forcefully entered the life-saving facility to remove all the essential medical drugs, which put the lives of people at stake now.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
