NINE medical staff at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) have left the country on Wednesday for a three months specialist training in China.
The group comprises of 4 doctors, 2 laboratory technician and 3 nurses from the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
They will undergo an extensive 3-month training course as part of the Medical Cooperation and the Specialist Services at NRH Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC).
The Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Bosawai farewelled the team that left for Guizhou Province in China for a three-month specialist training attachment.
The group departed with high anticipation, eager to engage with experts and immerse themselves in advanced medical techniques in China.
During their three-month stay, the participants will rotate through various specialty hospital departments, observing procedures, participating in workshops, and collaborating with their Chinese counterparts to exchange clinical insights.
Leading the local team is Dr Augustine Melly, an NRH surgeon specializing in urology surgery.
Also joining the team are Dr. Florence Fiuramo, surgical registrar specializing in urology training; Dr. Anisha Elisha, medical registrar focusing on nephrology; a Dr Elisson Manegehe medical registrar, Mr Brymley Sade, nephrology nurse; Mrs. Miranda Huanimaha and Mrs. Esther Marau, medical technicians for laboratory training; Mrs Salome Taugata, nephrology nurse and Mrs. Densy Saohu, operating theatre nurse.
The overall purposes of the specialist training are to provide a specialist hospital environment, learning on the job, the new skills, knowledge and practice in these specialist areas.
The training clinical placement would take place at the Guizhou Medical University, which is part of the technical agreement and cooperation between the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University and NRH.
The training program is designed not only to enhance technical competence but also to foster intercultural understanding and professional networks.
Further, the participants are expected to gain exposure to state-of-the-art facilities with cutting-edge practices in patient care.
The immersive experience is anticipated to empower the team with new perspectives, enabling them to bring back innovative solutions tailored to the local healthcare context upon their return with an expanded repertoire of clinical skills and a renewed commitment to elevating healthcare standards at Comprehensive Medical Center.
Their experiences abroad are anticipated to translate into improved patient outcomes, innovative practices, and strengthened ties between the Solomon Islands and China in the field of medical education and service delivery.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health of Solomon Islands and the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China represents a significant investment in the future of the Solomon Islands’ health workforce.
Throughout their placement, participants will encounter a diverse range of challenging cases, gaining firsthand exposure to specialized procedures uncommon in their home setting. Interactive seminars and hands-on simulation exercises will further enrich their learning, equipping them with practical tools to address both routine and complex medical issues. The experience is also expected to inspire a spirit of continuous improvement, as returning professionals share their newfound knowledge and mentor colleagues at NRH.
These doctors, nurses and the laboratory technicians will be stationed at the Comprehensive Medical Services following their return. Whilst the team is away the CMC will continue with other medical staff of NRH and the China Medical Team.
Meanwhile, in bidding the specialist team farewell at the airport, Health Minister Dr Bosawai emphasized the need to listen, learn and take on as much as they can while on training saying; “As a medical clinician myself, improving patient outcomes, reducing medical errors, and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare are critical.
“Thus, it is my wish that under this training Programme, and as medical professionals yourself you can be able to develop in-depth knowledge and skills, leading to more effective and specialized treatment while undertaking your 3 months training in Guizhou.
“That upon your return, I am counting on you to bring back new skills and new knowledge that you can bring back and share with your fellow colleagues. You must count yourself privileged to be given this opportunity.”
The NRH Team is being accompanied by two specialists of the current Chinese Medical Team and are expected to return in end of September.
– MHMS
PHOTO CAPTION: MHMS Minister, MHMS PS and Executive, NRH CEO and 4th China Medical Team to SI together with the Doctors, Lab-technicians and Nurses
In photo: Mr Brymley Sade, nephrology nursing (left) with his children, wife and mother and together with the Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil.
