Solomon Islands and Japan Sign Additional SBD15 Million Dollar Grant for Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project

By Sharon Nanau 

Solomon Islands and Japan signed an additional grant of SBD15-million dollars for the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka signed the amended agreement in Honiara today.

The project which was initiated in 2023 with the signing of the original agreement then saw the installation of the medical equipment and facilities under the project suspended following worldwide price escalation and depreciation of the Japanese currency.

In his remarks at the signing H.E Keiichi Higuchi said the additional funding support will now cover medical equipment for the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project.

“This project was initiated in 2023 with the signing of the EN and is currently being implemented. At this time, it covers the medical equipment that could not be fully funded by the cost at the time of the previous signing. The total budget of the project is 2 billion and 367 million Japanese yen, which is about 135 million Solomon dollars,” he said.

The project’s revised total costing now stands at  approximately SBD135 million dollars from the initial cost of SBD120 million dollars.

H.E Higuchi said the project is a respond to the calls made by Prime Minister Hon.  Jeremiah Manele at the 10th Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting (PAM-10) held in Japan last year.

Meanwhile Hon Agovaka said  Japan’s support to the country’s health sector reflects the two countries relationship.

“A kind gesture shown by the Government of Japan is again one of those obvious indicators that unwavering friendship between our two countries. Our heartfelt and deepest acknowledgment and appreciation to the Government of Japan for the invaluable support extended to Solomon Islands over the years.”

Hon. Agovaka adds the Kilu’ufi Hospital project once completed will be providing services to at least twenty-four percent of the country’s population.

“Kilu’ufi Hospital is a public hospital in Malaita province, this is one of the most densely populated province in the country. Given the accessibility, patients from the neighboring provinces, can also be able to obtain medical treatments and services,” he said

JICA Solomon Islands Office Resident Mr Takeshi Watanabe explains the additional grant will enhance the health service delivery of Kilu’ufi Hospital once the project is completed.

“The project is to strengthen the function of Kilu’ufi Hospital by establishing the new central clinical building and delivery building and upgrading its medical equipment, thereby contributing to the improvement of health service provided in Malaita province.”

The Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project in strengthening Maliata province health system will also serve as a significant alternative for the National Referral Hospital in terms of additional and provision of tertiary health services.

The newly improved Kilu’ufi Hospital is set to open next year.

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