China officially handed over a state-of-the-art medical facility to the Solomon Islands yesterday, marking a significant step in their growing partnership.
The new Comprehensive Medical Center, located next to the National Referral Hospital, is expected to greatly enhance specialized healthcare services in the country.
The facility, which cost SBD$90 million and took just 13 months to complete, is China’s second major contribution since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 2019.
The first was the National Sports Stadium, which helped the Solomon Islands host the Pacific Games in November 2023.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, speaking at the ceremony proudly declares, the official handing over of this new four-storey comprehensive medical center, the first of its kind in our country and perhaps the region.
“Today, we make history as we witness the handing over of the state-of-the-art medical facility to the Solomon Islands, marking a significant step in their growing partnership.”
“The facility’s role in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. The centre will offer services in cardiology, nephrology, urology, and even traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture,” MP Manele stated.
The event also coincided with Chinese New Year, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Health’s Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil, acknowledged the teamwork that led to the quick completion of the centre, while Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming called it “a magnificent gift” that would improve local healthcare and reduce the need for overseas treatment.
Health Minister Dr. Paul Bosawai emphasized the importance of the facility, saying it was “disability-friendly” and equipped with advanced infection control measures.
He added, “It will enable residents to access specialized medical services promptly within the country, eliminating the need for costly overseas travel and ultimately saving the government millions of dollars in healthcare expenditures.”
The new medical centre will be instrumental in addressing the rising health challenges in the Solomon Islands, where NCDs are a major concern, responsible for 70% of deaths. The centre will also support initiatives to combat the main risk factors of NCDs, including poor diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity.
The completion of the medicalcentere represents a major step forward in improving the nation’s healthcare and strengthening the relationship between the Solomon Islands and China.
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ZFM NEWS