Opposition Delegation Visits Good Samaritan Hospital

As part of their ongoing nationwide engagement with key stakeholders, industries, and communities, the Opposition team visited Good Samaritan Hospital today. The faith-based facility, located in North Guadalcanal, is one of the province’s most important health service providers.

The visit offered the delegation valuable firsthand insight into the realities faced by the hospital. This included staffing levels, patient load, outreach efforts, available facilities, medical equipment, and the many challenges encountered by its committed staff.

Most importantly, it provided the opportunity to hear directly from those working on the frontlines of care.

The Opposition team expressed deep appreciation to the nurses, doctors, catholic sisters, and support staff who took time from their demanding schedules to share their experiences with honesty and dedication.

“It was both encouraging and humbling to hear from these hardworking professionals about their daily work. Even more inspiring was their unwavering commitment to keep serving their communities despite the many difficulties they face,” Hon Matthew Wale said.

Hon Wale said the visit made it clear that urgent government support is still needed.

“We witnessed the strength and resilience of the staff. But we also heard and saw the very real challenges they are working through each day. We saw that the hospital has only two vehicles, just 24 admission beds, four emergency beds, and four postnatal beds. We were told that patients must bring their own food. It is clear that the government can and must do more to support this hospital. With a doctor to patient ratio of one to sixty each day, the need for expansion, proper planning, and better resources cannot be ignored,” Hon. Wale said.

The Leader of Opposition also reaffirmed the growing call for the establishment of a Guadalcanal Provincial Hospital and spoke about the opportunity for collaboration at all levels of leadership.

“When we met with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, there was strong and clear support for a proper provincial hospital. During our visit to Gold Ridge, we raised this idea, and they expressed their willingness to be part of a project that could leave a lasting legacy for the province. This is a real opportunity for all stakeholders including government, provincial authorities, community leaders, and development partners to work together and bring this vision to life. We will continue to advocate for it,” Hon. Wale said.

The Opposition’s nationwide engagement continues, focused on gaining practical insight that informs policy alternatives for Government to consider and act upon.

Ends//

– OPPOSITION GROUP PRESS RELEASE