BY JOY OFASIA
For many families living in East Honiara, getting medical care has often meant travelling to the National Referral Hospital. The opening of the new Level 2 Urban Health Centre at Naha is expected to make that journey easier.
Honiara City Council (HCC) Deputy Mayor, Councillor Clement Terewauri described the opening as a “momentous” occasion for the people of Honiara and an important investment in urban healthcare.
“We are thankful to those who are involved to ensure that this day becomes a reality,” Cr. Terewauri said during the opening ceremony.
The Naha Urban Health Centre is the first Level 2 urban health centre of its kind in Solomon Islands. It brings several important health services together under one roof.
Cr. Terewauri said the centre would help people in East Honiara access medical emergencies, laboratory testing and prescribed medicines closer to their homes.
He said the opening was also a major achievement for the Honiara City Council and thanked all partners and stakeholders who helped make the project possible.
The Deputy Mayor gave special thanks to the Australian Government for supporting both the construction and operational commissioning of the facility.
“I would like to thank the Australian Government for funding both the construction and operational commissioning of these facilities,” he said.
“You have been a good friend indeed. Please convey my utmost gratitude to the Government and the people of Australia for this wonderful gift.”
Cr. Terewauri said the City Council looked forward to continuing its partnership with Australia to improve health services and outcomes for people in Honiara.
He also thanked the National Government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their support, saying the Council remained committed to working closely with the ministry.
Behind the new facility is the work of many people. Mr. Terewauri acknowledged the City Council’s health and medical services divisions for making sure equipment, workers and training were ready before the centre opened.
He also thanked the National Referral Hospital CEO and staff for providing refresher training and other support to the new Naha team.
The Naha clinic team was also praised for its dedication in planning and preparing the facility.
Cr. Terewauri recognised the Naha community and its leaders for their patience during construction, which began in May 2021.
Residents had to live with construction noise and disruptions for several years. He thanked them for their patience and for helping ensure the new facility is respected and properly maintained.
For the people of East Honiara, the new centre represents more than a new building. It is a step towards bringing essential healthcare closer to families and improving their wellbeing.
Cr. Terewauri reaffirmed the City Council’s support for the centre, saying its opening marked an important step in improving access to healthcare for communities across Honiara.
