BY INDY MAEALASIA
SOLOMON Islands officially took ownership of the new SBD $90 million Comprehensive Medical Center yesterday, following a handover ceremony from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).
The handover was described by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele as a “new year gift” from China to the people of Solomon Islands.
In his remarks, Manele expressed his gratitude: “I have the honor to accept this magnificent gift of a brand new state-of-the-art comprehensive medical center with a grateful heart, on behalf of the people and government of Solomon Islands, from the people and government of the People’s Republic of China.”
He also highlighted that the facility will significantly improve the quality and availability of medical services in Solomon Islands, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.
Manele said the government will now focus on enhancing the skills of nurses, doctors, and specialists to make full use of the center’s capabilities.
Key Features of the New Medical Center
Built within 12 months the four-story center will provide a wide range of specialized medical services across its various floors:
1st Floor: Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cardiology unit, Nephrology unit, Urology Unit, Urology Unit and Ultrasonography Unit
2nd Floor: Dialysis Unit, Cardiology ward, Nephrology Ward and Urology Ward
3rd Floor: CT, Laboratory and Conference Room
4th Floor: Operating Theater, Intensive Care Unit
In addition to its medical services, the center is equipped with advanced medical technology, including the country’s only large-scale digital subtraction angiography machine.
Long-Term Benefits for Solomon Islands
PRC’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming, stressed that the center is not just a healthcare facility but also an essential hub for medical education and training.
“Thereby contributing to the long-term advancement of SI’s medical industry,” he said.
Ambassador Cai also underscored the importance of China-Solomon Islands relations:
“China-SI relations have taken the lead in China’s relation with Pacific Island countries and have become a model for mutual support and common development among countries of different sizes.”
