S.I.G & AUSTRALIAN GOV’T OPENED REFURBISHED POST-NATAL WARD
Parliamentary Secretary Hon Steven Ciobo and SI Health Minister Hon Dr. Tautai Angikimua Kaitu’u cutting the ribbon to open the newly refurbished Post-Natal Ward at the National Referral Hospital. Photo credit: Rosalie Nongebatu.
The Solomon Islands and Australian governments have officially opened the newly refurbished post-natal ward at the National Referral Hospital today.
It was officially opened by the Minister of Health and Medical Services Hon. Tautai Angikimua Kaitu’u and the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP.
Speaking during the opening Dr Kaitu’u thanked Australian Government for its ongoing support towards the Solomon Islands health sector and willingness to assist in times of disaster, major disease outbreaks and generally improving the health system.
He said the refurbished maternal ward is another testimony of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving and strengthen the Solomon Islands Health sector.
A statement from the Australian High Commission today said, more than 6,000 babies are born at the National Referral Hospital every year and the improved facility allow mothers at risk of post-birth complications to stay overnight at the hospital in order to access extra care.
Meanwhile, Australia Parliamentary Secretary Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Steven Ciobo MP said, Australia is proud to have assisted in repairing the postnatal ward at the National Referral Hospital.
He said the broader support for Solomon Islands health system will contribute to improving the health of Solomon Islanders for many years to come.
Australia provided approximately $1.5 million for the refurbishment.