THE Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming and the Caretaker Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr Culwick Togamana and officials from MHMS were yesterday briefed on the progress of the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Center Project.
The briefing was conducted by the Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction Solomon Ltd’s Project Management Group Leader Ms Zheng.
The project kicked off with a ground breaking ceremony in December 2023 and despite being expected to be completed in 16 months, construction work is well ahead of schedule with the completion of all foundation and footing work, including the framework structure for the first floor.
Speaking at the briefing event, Dr Togamana expressed delight in witnessing the project’s progress.
“I am indeed very delighted take time this morning to witness the project’s development and I am optimistic that the contractor would be able to meet the deadline for completion of the hospital within the timeline expected.”
The Comprehensive Medical Centre is basically the country’s National Communicable Disease (NCD) Hospital as the facility will offer clinical services to our patients with heart diseases, kidney problems, urology issues as well as those who need rehabilitation and acupuncture.
“Let me once again thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for partnering with us in undertaking this important and what would be a magnificent building of the Ministry of Health [and Medical Services], the Government of Solomon Islands and the people of Solomon Islands. We are extremely proud of the development and progress and what we have all achieved together to date.
“Despite the challenges and difficulties in the timely execution of electricity and water connectivity as well as extreme weather conditions in the first quarter of the year, the ongoing commitment and the unwavering support of all of us and at all levels and the commitment demonstrated to date on this project is commendable,” Dr Togamana added.
Ambassador Cai said the facility is another testament of China’s commitment to aid Solomon Islands.
“The facility is another testament of China’s commitment to aid Solomon Islands in good faith in developing health infrastructures. I am sure the project will be accomplished in time and raise the medical service of Solomon Islands to a new level offering higher quality medical services for the people of Solomon Islands.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands, cooperation in the health sector has gone a long way, bringing tangible benefits for ordinary people of Solomon Islands. China regards Solomon Islands as a good friend, brother and partner. We are sure that the health and medical cooperation will continue to flourish and enhance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the PRC envoy said.
Ambassador Cai and Caretaker Minister Dr Togamana were later joined by the media and were taken on a tour of the project site to witness the progress of work.
A similar site visit will be undertaken by MHMS stakeholders, including Honiara City Council, Solomon Power and Solomon Water in the coming week.
The project is a modern comprehensive medical center with four floors, accommodating cardiology, nephrology, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture clinics and wards along with supporting medical rooms equipped with necessary equipment and furniture.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Referral Hospital Dr George Malefoasi said preparations are underway for the management of the the new facility.
“An interim taskforce of clinical specialists and senior health workers along with the technical advice from the China Medical Team have started to discuss the workforce composition of specialists to run the new NCD Subspecialist Center.
“It is anticipated that there will be subspecialist training with the Chinese counterparts, the details are being finalized. There will also be capacity development in building skills and knowledge on the use of the modern diagnostics and treatment medical technology that comes with this center.”
(MHMS/SOLSTAR)
