The ongoing drug shortage in the country leaves the United Church-owned Helena Goldie Hospital in the Western Province in an ‘Emergency Mode’
HELENA GOLDIE HOSPITAL – the second largest hospital in Western Province – has gone into “emergency mode until further notice” as the acute drug shortage in the country worsens.
Hospital authorities last week posted a “Public Notice” on social media, advising people of drugs that have run out at the National Referral Hospital (NRH). NRH distributes drugs to all hospitals and clinics around the country.
“Drug out of stock from the National Referral Hospital. Helena Goldie Hospital in Emergency Mode as of 22nd August until further notice,” the advisory published on social media, said.
Helena Goldie hospital was established in 1903 by Methodist Missionaries, and is now owned by the United Church in Solomon Islands (UCSI). In agreement with the Western Provincial Health Services, Helena Goldie Hospital looks after 15 clinics within Zone 3 of Western Province, the area comprising North New Georgia, Vona Vona Lagoon, Roviana Lagoon and Rendova Islands.
It serves an estimated population of well over 26,000 people.
Despite the shortage of basic drugs, the National Referral Hospital has maintained its silence it was revealed that some 21 containers of medical supplies have been piling up at the Point Cruz wharf since 2021.
Many have concluded that the consignment has expired given the fact that medicines can only remain useful when it is stored in certain conditions.
It is understood the fate of Helena Goldie Hospital in terms of shortage of drugs reflects the situation in provincial hospitals as well as health centres and clinics throughout the country.
By Alfred Sasako
