30 July 2015
SASAMUNGA COMMUNITY OPENS REFURBISHED HOSPITAL
Sasamunga community in Choiseul Province now has access to improved health services and essential medicine following the official opening of its fully refurbished hospital on Wednesday this week.
The newly refurbished hospital will improve health services and availability of essential medicines to the wider Sasamunga community as well as surrounding communities. These communities are isolated from central health services and rely heavily on Sasamunga hospital for primary health care services.
The Australian Government provided SBD$1.3 million to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the hospital refurbishment after deteriorated facilities at the Sasamunga hospital affected essential health delivery in the community. The construction of the refurbished hospital at Sasamunga was implemented by the United Church.
Speaking at the opening, Acting Minister Counsellor of the Australia High Commission, Brendan Peace, said he was encouraged to see a good working relationship between the Ministry of Health and the United Church in the construction of the hospital refurbishment. This arrangement was a first of its kind in that region, and this could be replicated in the future with other external stakeholders.
“Australia is a long term friend and partner to Solomon Islands especially in the area of health. We provide approximately SBD100 million annually, which is a quarter of the Solomon Islands Government’s health budget, to improve maternal and child health, save lives and treat disease.”
Guests at the ceremony included the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Tenneth Dalipanda, Acting Minister Counsellor, Brendan Peace of Australian High Commission, Dr Audrey Aumua of WHO and Reverend Caleb Kotali of United Church, Lauru Region.
The event was also attended by government and provincial official, development partner representatives, and chiefs, church leaders and members of Sasamunga community.