WHO REGIONAL DIRECTOR IDENTIFIED SERIOUS NRH PROBLEMS
WHO logo. Photo credit: WHO.
World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Doctor Shin Young-soo has said the National Referral Hospital is vital to Solomon Islands’ health system, but serious challenges to infrastructure, water, sanitation and hygiene exists.
The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific noted this during his three-day visit to Honiara last week.
He said the prevention and control of infection must be prioritised.
Thankfully, the National Referral Hospital was not badly damaged during the flash floods in April, despite its waterfront location and proximity to the Mataniko River which burst its banks.
However, the surge in patients has strained hospital operations and exhausted vital medical resources.
Dr Shin said WHO remains committed to helping Solomon Islands to ensure that health services are of high quality, affordable and most importantly, accessible to all.
SIBC News understands, WHO has donated health emergency kits to the hospital last week to replenish supplies used during the recent April floods.