THE current situation affecting the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) operating theater going into emergency mode is being described as a national health crisis that needs urgent attention.
Leader of the Independent Group Peter Kenilorea Jr, expressed this in a statement issued on Thursday while raising serious concerns over the situation.
“This dire situation is now a national health crisis that needs to be urgently addressed.”
He added, it is even more concerning that Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) continues to send large high-level delegations on overseas trips that will continue to drain deeply constrained public funds when the government itself has recognized the current cash flow challenges it faces.
Kenilorea highlights that the Minister of Finance and Treasury has openly acknowledged the government’s rapidly deteriorating cash flow situation, which has led to significant constraints on funding essential services.
Despite the urgency of addressing these critical issues, the government has opted to allocate resources towards this overseas trip.
“It is deeply concerning that resources are being directed towards international visits while critical medical supplies, including consumables and anesthetic drugs, are in short supply at the National Referral Hospital operating theatre,” said Kenilorea.
“Patients in urgent need of surgical procedures are facing delays and cancellations, resulting in a strain on the healthcare system and, tragically, contributing to avoidable deaths to poor citizens.”
Doctors and healthcare professionals have consistently highlighted the dire shortage of basic medical supplies not only at the national level but also in area health clinics in Honiara and in centres across all 9 provinces.
The Office of the Leader of the Independent Group urges the Minister of Finance and Treasury, as well as the Prime Minister, to re-evaluate such decisions and take immediate action to address pressing healthcare needs within the country.
“It is imperative that the government reassesses its allocation of resources to effectively manage the current cash flow crisis and prioritize the well-being of its citizens,” he added.
Despite assurances made to the public, including on the floor of parliament on numerous occasions, it is clear that our health system is in crisis.
The prioritization of disbursements of public funds on unnecessary expenses over addressing domestic healthcare challenges reflects a misalignment of priorities within the government, giving the impression that GNUT is out of touch with the realities on the ground.
“I respectfully call on the PM to reassure the nation regarding this matter and ensure that meagre government resources are spent where it matters most and that the health services for our people are prioritized,” he concluded.
