Government to boost health development budget

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Government has pledged a major increase to the Health Development Budget as part of a renewed effort to upgrade ageing health infrastructure across the country.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the announcement during the official opening of the Konide Area Health Centre (AHC) last week, stating that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) places the health and well-being of Solomon Islanders at the forefront of its national priorities.

Manele said his government remains committed to improve health facilities nationwide to lift the standard of care and strengthen medical services.

He highlighted the significant increase in the annual recurrent budget for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) — rising from around SBD$400 million in 2024 to approximately SBD$700 million in 2025, the largest such increase to date.

“I wish to remind us all that to be alive and in good health are basic human rights and gifts from God.

“These rights are enshrined in international conventions and recognised in our nation’s constitution. They underpin government policies and programmes,” he said.

Manele stressed that good health is essential for human development and societal progress, adding that the commissioning of the new Konide Health Centre represents a critical investment in safeguarding life.

He said health facilities play a vital role not only in treating illness but also in preventing disease and supporting health workers in delivering effective public and primary health care.

“Better health facilities are beacons of hope for the sick, where bodily ailments and suffering can be prevented and managed when they do occur,” Manele said.

He also highlighted the centre’s alignment with the national Role Delineation Policy; the health service delivery framework aimed at achieving universal health coverage.

“As an Area Health Centre, the new facility will be able to expand its services to include some critical functions that are currently only available in hospitals,” Manele added.

He said the long distance to Buala Provincial Hospital has contributed to delays in patient referrals, often resulting in adverse outcomes for people living in this part of Isabel Province.

Manele said the upgraded Konide AHC, will greatly improve timely access to essential care.

He said the opening of the new health centre marks an important milestone in the government’s broader agenda to strengthen health systems and ensure equitable access to quality health services across the country.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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