THE Good Samaritan Hospital at Tetere, North Guadalcanal has received two completed projects funded by the World Bank’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Project through the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
The Incinerator Facility was constructed by RSF construction, while the Isolation Unit was constructed and delivered by JED Enterprises. Both contractors were on hand to pass on the keys to the World Bank and MHMS, who then handed over the keys to the Guadalcanal Province, the landowners and then finally to the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at Tetere on Friday 20 December, Minister for Health and Medical Services and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai emphasised the projects’ alignment to the ministry’s strategic plan.
“The two projects we are handing over this morning are part of the broader goals of our National Health Strategic Plan 2022-203, to invest and improve healthcare infrastructure across the country. I believe this is what we can achieve when we work together as a community, with our partners in construction, healthcare and local leadership.
“The Incinerator Facility is one of four facilities strategically located across the country and is vital to strengthening the Health system in the country through the delivery of improved waste management system. This is part of strengthening the resilience capacity of Good Samaritan Hospital in terms of containing and controlling potential future outbreaks of COVID-19 and related contagious diseases.
“The Isolation Unit is one of three being constructed across the country and is part of the upgrading of isolation facilities in areas bordering Papua New Guinea (Nila, Shortlands), here at the Good Samaritan Hospital (Guadalcanal Province) and the Helena Goldie Hospital (Western Province) with the aim to prepare for future pandemics,” Minister Bosawai said.
Also speaking at the handover ceremony was the World Bank Health Specialist, Wayne Irava who described the event as a culmination of partnerships.
“Today’s celebration is a testament of the power of partnership and shared purpose. Together we have taken a significant step towards improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Solomon Islands.
“But let us not stop here. Let today inspire us to continue working together driving progress toward a healthier, safe and more equitable future for all,” Mr Irava said.
Handing over the keys to the newly built Incinerator, RSF Director Mrs Mele Noda expressed sincere appreciation to the World Bank and MHMS.
“I would like to thank the World Bank and the Ministry Health and Medical Services for availing the opportunity and having the trust in us to construct and deliver the Incinerator Facility Project.
“It presented us with a steep learning curve, but looking back, we were very fortunate to have taken up the challenge to build and install these incinerator facilities across the country, “Mrs Noda said.
CEO of JED Enterprise, David Leong described the Isolation Facility as a beacon of hope.
“The Isolation Hospital is a beacon of hope, a symbol of what can be achieved when we prioritise health equity, compassion, and preparation for future challenges.
“In closing, may we take this moment to reflect on the significance of what this hospital represents. May it serve as a sanctuary for healing, a space for innovation, and a cornerstone of our commitment to public health,” Mr Leong said.
In receiving both facilities on behalf of the Good Samaritan Hospital, Administrator Sister Daliborka Rojo expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation on behalf of staff and surrounding communities.
“This facility will greatly improve health service delivery here at Good Samaritan Hospital and we feel that we are now prepared should there be a pandemic in the future. big thanks to World Bank and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Sister Daliborka said.
– MHMS
