IN light of the COVID-19 threat, the Malaita Provincial Health and Medical Services is hoping for Kiluúfi Laboratory to be given the green light to operate this week.
A COVID-19 test machine was installed at Kiluúfi Laboratory, Kiluúfi Hospital in August last year.
However, since the instatement the machine is still to serve its purpose.
Malaita Provincial Health Director Dr Rex Maukera told the Solomon Star this afternoon (Tuesday 25th January) that two health staff from Honiara are expected to arrive in Auki today to see to the operation of the machine.
Dr Maukera said the visiting staff will assess the laboratory and decide whether or not Kiluúfi Laboratory is prepared to do COVID-19 tests.
He said having Kiluúfi Laboratory operating this week will be a huge boost for Malaita Province.
“…this will allow COVID-19 test results to be taken and known at Kiluúfi Hospital rather than waiting for the long process to send samples to Honiara for further verifications,” the Malaita Health Director said.
Dr Maukera added that if Kiluúfi Laboratory is given the green light to operate then contact tracing on possible COVID-19 community transmission will also start.
He said the aim now is for the laboratory to be operational by this week to enable COVID-19 tests to be done in Malaita.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
