The Honourable Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Health Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai handed over a 5.1 million dollars Rural Health Clinic (RHC) government sponsored project to Deva, Isabel Province on 12 November 2025.
The Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele is the guest of honour at the event who accompanied the Health Minister for the official launch of Deva RHC. While the Minister for Police and National Security Honourable Jimson Tanaganda also accompanied the delegation to witness the handover ceremony.
In his remarks at the handing over ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai said he is so delighted to handover over the new AHC and as it is his first official visit to Isabel Province, since becoming the new Minister for Health. He highlighted he always wanted to visit Isabel Province much earlier and in particular to Buala hospital but have not had that opportunity until this very day.
“As the Minster for health, I have always advocated for five things: governance, infrastructure, finance, medical supplies and workforce in the health sector. Therefore, I am delighted to witness the completion and handing over of this new health facility as it demonstrates achievement in one of my key priorities.
“This new facility, which costs the Government a total cost $5.1million is fully financed by the Solomon Islands Government’s Development Budget, is more than just a building. It is a commitment to ensure our people have access to quality health services that is close to them so that they don’t need to go through financial hardships in seeking health services. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will ensure that Deva RHC has the basic equipment and furniture with a dedicated and experienced nurse ready to provide a full range of services according to the Role Delineation Policy for a RHC so that it begins its operation as soon as possible”, said Dr. Bosawai.
The Health Minister explained under the Role Delineation Policy, the RHC is the first level health care facility to be permanently staff. The range of services include general outpatient, non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases and services related to reproductive health, maternal & and child health, adolescence health. Cases that cannot be managed here will be referred to the nearest Area Health Centre or hospital.
“The opening of this RHC is a milestone for this community, it represents years of planning, hard work, and a shared vision for a healthier future of women, children and those who will access services from this clinic.
“At this juncture I would like to acknowledge all who have made this project a success. I thank the Hon. Prime Minister for his leadership of GNUT for his trust in me to serve under him as his Health Minster. To the Premier of Isabel Province, thank you for your ongoing support to the Provincial Health Director and his team. Rest assured that the MHMS will continue to collaborate with you in the delivery of health services in your province as well as our other Provinces”, said Dr. Bosawai.
He sincerely acknowledged the contractor of RSF Construction Ltd for building the health facility. He further acknowledged the chiefs, elders, men, women and children of the community for allowing their land to host this facility.
“This health facility is here to serve your health needs and you have made the right decision. May I kindly request that you take the lead in supporting the nurses who will be working here, to protect and take good care of it so that the health facility will continue to serve you in many years to come”, said Dr. Bosawai.
The Honourable Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is the guest of Honour accompanied by the Health Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai and Minister for Police and National Security Honourable Jimson Tanangada and Isabel Premier, Chiefs and Isabel Provincial Health Director and staff of Deva RHC.
Meanwhile, the Isabel Provincial Premier Hon. Howard Heyward thanked the government through the ministry of health for a very important infrastructure project which will save lives and even ease cost referral of patients from Deva to Buala Hospital. The Isabel Provincial Health supervising Martin Gavira and a community representative also shared similar sentiments during his welcome remarks at the launch.
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