Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Dr Lucas de Toca is in Solomon Islands to hear and see how see Australia’s support is assisting the health sector.
During the first day of his official visit to the Solomons, he was joined by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Paul Bosawai.
Ambassador de Toca leads Australia’s relationship with multilateral health organisations and international development assistance in health.
The Minister and Ambassador toured health facilities in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province to hear firsthand from health officials and frontline workers about progress being made to improve local health services and to see how Australia’s support is assisting this effort.
At the National Referral Hospital, Minister Bosawai and Ambassador de Toca visited the High Dependency Unit, which is providing critical care to the most acute patients, to hand over new equipment.
Minister Bosawai said the equipment for the High Dependency Unit would significantly improve the care nurses and doctors provide for critically ill patients.
“The training and ongoing support provided by Australian advisors enables our staff to deliver high-quality care, improving how services are delivered in Solomon Islands’’, Minister Bosawai said.
Ambassador de Toca said he was pleased to have the opportunity to meet the dedicated staff of the National Referral Hospital, including Australia Awards alumni, and the Australian volunteers, students and visiting clinical teams working alongside them.
“This visit to the National Referral Hospital truly highlights the strong people to people links we have fostered under our longstanding partnership,” Ambassador de Toca said.
“It is so heartwarming to meet and hear about the many Australian doctors and nurses who have longstanding connections to support improved healthcare delivery in Solomon Islands.”
At the Good Samaritan Hospital in Guadalcanal Province, the VIPs met Sister Dali who explained how the new solar power system, funded by Australia, has allowed them to redirect funds previously spent on costly diesel for generators to patient care instead.
Minister Bosawai said the solar panels are a positive step, promoting sustainability by minimising environmental impact, and ensuring essential services can be delivered both day and night.
Ambassador de Toca said it was rewarding to see the positive impact of Australia’s investments in communities outside of Honiara, including provincial grants, solar electrification systems, and medical supplies for people living in Guadalcanal Province.
“Providing health services in rural areas is not an easy task, and I acknowledge the hard work that everyone has contributed to delivery of these essential services,” Ambassador de Toca said.
At the National Medical Store, Minister Bosawai formally received a new forklift which will greatly improve safety and efficiency for staff unloading stores.
The new outdoor forklift complements the indoor forklift and flat-bed truck, donated by Australia in 2022.
