A $1.5 MILLION modern health facility was officially unveiled at Batuna Adventist Vocational School in Marovo, Western province on Wednesday.
Called the Batuna Memorial clinic, the project comes under the Adopt a Clinic health program of the Seventh Day Adventist church in the pacific.
The initiative to establish a clinic at Batuna was born out of an idea or suggestion made by Dr Chester Kuma, who is based in Australia with the Port Macquarie church members some years back.
It was highlighted the new $1.5 million modern health facility stands as a beacon of hope and service to the people of Marovo lagoon, thanks to the Port Macquarie Church in Australia and the Loma Linda University (US).
Premier of Western Province Wayne Maepioh as a guest in his brief remarks on the occasion said this is another milestone in the history of Marovo lagoon.
He said such support is always rare and it comes with a lot of wealth of support, commitment and love from outside donors who are part of the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Premier Maepioh urged his people in Marovo lagoon to take ownership and pride of this new clinic.
He said the people must value such asset in caring for it and looking after it.
Mr Maepio also said the Western province government will always support and continue to have dialogue with all church health centers initiative and programs to see that people continue to access the needed health care and services in the rural areas.
The premier was accompanied by the provincial health & medical service Minister Jane Tozaka, education minister John Hopa and provincial minster for fisheries Kenneth George and the Provincial Police commander Vincent Eria.
Top SDA officials who were at the opening of the new health facility are Dr Chester Kuma, Pr. Lawrance Tanabose, President Solomon Islands Mission, Dr George Manimu, health director Solomon Islands Mission and one of the country’s top doctors who is from Marovo, Dr Douglas Pikacha.
Hundreds of people from Gatokae and Vangunu within the Marovo regions attended the opening program.
