The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Honiara City Councial (HCC), together with the Australia High Commission, today celebrated the milestone achievement of the reopening of the Kukum Area Health Center (AHC), which will resume clinical services on 18th August 2025.
In his remarks at the reopening ceremony, Health Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai said he was honoured to attend a significant occasion for the Honiara City and Nation – the reopening of the Kukum Area Health Center.
He said today marks the return of a vital health facility that serves not only the coverage of the Kukum population but also the surrounding communities, providing healthcare for between 35,000 and 42,000 patients each year.
He stated, for many years, there hasn’t been any form of major renovation to the Kukum Clinic and for almost two years ago, the doors of this health center remained closed due to the deteriorated condition of the building.
“This was not an easy period for the community, as many had to travel further for medical care. But today, we can all celebrate the fact that the Kukum Area Health Center is back—renewed, modernized, and ready to once again deliver life-saving services to our people”, said Dr. Bosawai.
Therefore, he stated, “On behalf of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Australia for their strong and swift response to the Honiara City Council’s call for assistance.
Through their generosity of over SBD$2 million dollars that was invested in the renovation works, along with an additional SBD$379,427 worth of brand-new medical equipment that will soon arrive in the country.
“This is a testament to Australia’s enduring friendship with the Solomon Islands and further demonstrates our collective efforts and shared commitment to ensuring that we have a health facility that is safe for our patients as well as for our health workers, who will discharge their duties and deliver health services for our patients in a safe environment, and ultimately the achievement of health and wellbeing of our people”, said Dr Bosawai.
He further thanked Super Construction, a local company, for their workforce and technical support team for their commitment, hard work and dedication in implementing this project to ensure it reached this stage.
The Health Minister described the achievement as a joint collaborative effort. “It is a testament of partnership in action—government, community, development partners and the private sector working hand in hand to deliver lasting benefits for our people”.
He added, this project is part of a much wider commitment by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to improve access to quality healthcare for all Solomon Islanders.
The extensive renovation work included:
• Demolition of damaged sections
• Installation of new floors, roof, windows, walls, doors, and ceilings
• Upgraded plumbing, cabinets, shelving, drainage systems, ramps, and termite treatment
• Landscaping and the construction of new fencing
Essential services that will be provided at the clinic are:
• Maternal and child health services such as antenatal, postnatal, reproductive health, and newborn care
• Ultra Scan
• Vaccination and immunization programs both in clinics and schools
• Care for non-communicable diseases Screening and treatment for communicable diseases including malaria, TB, STIs, dengue, and HIV
• Primary Eye Care Screening, Refraction & Referrals
• Basic emergency and trauma care
• Outpatient services including Doctor Consultation and Referrals
• Community Outreach services for those unable to visit the clinic
• Provide overlap Shift (Extended hours): 3pm to 11pm
The Minister announced the clinic would operate from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 11:00pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 8:00am to 4:30pm. But also made mention that it will consider opening for 24 hours.
“Once all is worked and planned out, we will further consider opening the Kukum Clinic on a a 24/7 mode, thereby providing healthcare services daily for 24 hours. This is basically to ease pressure from the National Referral Hospital in terms of space but also provide services that can be treated and managed at the Kukum Health Clinic”, said Dr Bosawai.
Meanwhile, other guests’ speakers at the event; the Honiara City Mayor, HCC-Health Director, HCC-Nursing Director and Kukum Clinic Head Nurse thanked the Australian Government and people for the funding support towards Kukum AHC.
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