THE incoming Malaita Provincial government has been urged to build a new clinic in Auki.
The call was made by members of the Auki public during a public forum held at the provincial capital with the newly elected members last week.
One of the speakers said the existing clinic needs to be relocated because it is located in a residential area.
“When I was a child, the area the clinic was located is a labour line area since colonial days,” he said.
“I urge the new provincial government to relocate the clinic to a new site because the existing clinic is also too old,” he added.
“The building was an old prison cell block which is not appropriate and lacked space for patients and staff to perform their duties.
“I urge the new government to treat it as one of your priorities.”
He added the clinic should be upgraded to an area health centre to cater for people living around Auki as well as those visiting from other parts of the island.
“When people arrive in Auki and get sick, they need to go to a clinic that is close by.
“And because we are experiencing an increase in population in this town we need a Mini-health centre that will cater for them,” he said.
“This is the centre for whoever comes from outside can access health services whenever they sick.
“Auki is the centre of everything for this province so it needs proper health facility.”
Safety is also another issue raised by the existing clinic is located right beside the main road.
By STEPHEN DI’ISANGO
in Auki
