IN terms of support from the National Government, the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS), Pauline McNeil said they have received increased support lately.
She made the comments in her closing remarks during the press conference, Tuesday.
It was understood that the press conference was held after her ministry was bombarded with criticism from the general public about the current situation of the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
She told the media that that the government has shown commitments towards NRH and its services.
“Over the years we see increase of budget support and for this year budget is SBD$28 million for National Referral Hospital unlike 10 or 5 years ago,” PS McNeil said
McNeil said they also trying to make use of the current support they receive for COVID-19 to be used for some of the services at NRH.
“And of course we have additional support in terms of specialised equipments like the CT scan which is ongoing, that’s a big support from the national government,” she added.
While the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health acknowledge the role of the media she went on to challenge them to provide factual information to the public.
“I want to reach out to you to also report based on accurate information and evidence that is coming out from the ministry.
“The information must be official and have integrity,” she added.
But some of the critics said the PS and her officials must address this issues and stop being so reactive.
By ANDREW FANASIA
Newsroom Honiara
