NRH Comprehensive Medical Centre officially opens today for the commencement of delivering critical essential healthcare services for our people & received donated medical supplies from PRC
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) today has officially open its doors for the commencement of delivering critical essential healthcare services for the people of Solomon Islands, and at the same time received donated medical supplies batch worth of $168,000SBD from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador and staff, Health Permanent Secretary, Executive, Heads of Departments (HODs) and staff of MHMS, National Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive HODs and staff, Provincial Health Directors and Nursing Directors and the China Medical Team Specialists all gathered this morning to witness the official opening.
Speaking at the opening, Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said he is honoured to inaugurate this remarkable new hospital building- a facility that will enable our team of specialists to begin serving and treating patients with care, precision and dedication. At the same time, he thanked PRC for the timely donation of medical supplies.
He highlighted it was in January 24th, 2025, that the building was officially handed over to the people and the Government of Solomon Islands. “Over the past four months, there was a slight delay in connecting the main electricity to the building, and some preparations and planning were progressing by the NRH Specialist Task Force along with the 3rd and 4th China Medical Team. By 6th June midday, Solomon Power finally linked the building to the permanent power supply. Now it’s ready to see patients in the building and as of today, it will come to life”.
He said the facility represents a powerful partnership in health.
“Together, we work toward a shared objective: ensuring that individuals with preventable medical conditions have access to advice, consultations, treatments, and follow-ups. Hence, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the collaboration between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing healthcare for the benefit of our population.
“Secondly, this hospital is a testament to the Government’s National Strategic Plan (NSP), which envisions the strengthening of healthcare institutions for the betterment of our people. Our population’s health remains a paramount priority, and the efforts and dedication of the staff working in these health facilities are immensely valued and appreciated”.
The Minister reinforce that this facility is not an isolated project but an integral part of our broader goal—to improve the level of care, enhance skills and expertise, and foster a culture of work that ensures a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff. This holistic approach will undoubtedly contribute to the overall quality of healthcare services provided.
He further stressed, in preparation for the operation of the CMC, our management and specialist taskforce have diligently calculated staffing requirements for the four areas of speciality care, including cardiology, nephrology, and urology.
“We are aiming for a projected total of 167 staff members to ensure the full functionality of this specialist care facility.
“Incremental planning will guide the implementation of the draft Service Plan for this facility. At present, skeletal staffing for these specialist units is in place, forming an extension of the current workforce at the National Referral Hospital (NRH). This careful and strategic approach will ensure the smooth integration and operation of the new facility”.
He concluded his remarks by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this facility to life – the partners, Solomon Power, Solomon Water, Solomon Telekom, the government agencies such the ICTU, the healthcare staff, and all stakeholders.
“This hospital stands as a beacon of hope and progress, embodying our collective commitment to improving healthcare standards and accessibility across our nation.
“So, in closure allow me to quote from the book of Psalms 118:24 and to quote “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” unquote.
“This is a reminder to all of us in the health sector to appreciate the present moment and to choose joy and gratitude for today and every day at our workplace while discharging our duties in delivering essential healthcare, regardless of our circumstances and challenges,” said Dr Bosawai.
The People’s Republic of China, Ambassador H.E Mr Cai Weiming said he is honoured to attend the momentous occasion – the opening of the NRH comprehensive Medical Center and donation of another batch of medical supplies worth $168,000SBD to SI.
He congratulated NRH CMC on the official opening and he thanked the Solomon Islands MHMS, the NRH, Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and the CMTs for all the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts that have made the dream a reality.
“Healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet access remains a challenge for many. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and SI, China has provided support to Solomon Islands in areas such as the construction of medical infrastructure, assistance in the medical supplies, and the capacity-building for professional medical staff. In January – this year, China handed over CMC to SI. Equipped with modern facilities and staffed by dedicated professionals, it will serve as a lifeline for SI, providing critical care to thousands. It reflects our shared belief that no one should suffer due to lack of medical attention”, said H.E Weiming.
He highlighted, recently the 4th CMT successfully performed a minimally invasive coronary intervention for a local patient in the new CMC’s state-of-art lab, marking the first-ever international treatment for cardiovascular disease in SI and historic breakthrough. Over the past three years, 4 CMTs have provided medical services to tens of thousands of patients in SI and offered mobile clinical services in all nine provinces in SI.
“Today’s donation of medical supplies owes much to the efforts of CMT members, their empathy for the urgent need of SI people and prompt response and active coordination of Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office. The medical supplies were carefully selected as the latest gifts and best wishes from Chinese people to SI people. We hope they could help the newly opened NRH CMC play a greater role in providing high-quality medical service to the local population”, said H.E Weiming.
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