The community of Tasimboko (Tathiboko) Ward in Northeast Guadalcanal is celebrating a long-awaited milestone β the official opening of its very first health clinic. Described by many as a lifeline, the Tasimboko Rural Health Clinic marks a new chapter of hope, care, and access for more than 10,000 people who have long faced challenges in receiving basic medical services.
Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Hon. William Atu, speaking with heartfelt pride, called the moment βtruly historic,β not only for Tasimboko Ward, but for Northeast Guadalcanal Constituency.
βThis is not just a project. Itβs a lifeline. Itβs about saving lives, protecting mothers and children, and making sure our people donβt have to travel far for care,β he said.
The clinic β built at a cost of just under $1.7 million β was made possible through a strong partnership between the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which contributed the majority of the funding, and the World Bank-supported Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project (IEDCR).
But more than just funding, this project was brought to life by the dedication of local leaders, past and present, traditional landowners, the surrounding communities, and all who played a role in making it happen.
For years, the people of Tasimboko have relied on the overstretched Good Samaritan Hospital in Zone 6, which serves over 62,000 people and often struggles to meet demand. With limited beds and high rates of maternal and child mortality, the need for accessible healthcare close to home has never been more urgent.
Now, with this new clinic open and ready to serve, families in Tasimboko can access safer maternal care, quicker treatment for illnesses, and vital services such as immunizations and malaria treatment β right in their own community. As the Premier said, βThis clinic is more than a building β itβs a space of healing, a symbol of progress, and a place that brings hope.β
In addition to the clinic itself, two more support projects are already planned for this year β a staff house and water and sanitation facilities β to ensure the clinic runs effectively and sustainably. Uniquely, this facility is also the first in the province to be officially registered and begin operations immediately compared to other clinics in the past.
The Premier called on all people of Tasimboko to take pride and ownership of the clinic, urging everyone to support the nurses, doctors, and staff who will be working there.
“They are here for us. Let’s welcome them, respect them, and work together to keep this clinic strong.”
The MPA for Tasimboko and Minister for Women, Youths and Sports, Hon. Jimmy Saea, also thanked the Premier, donor partners, chiefs, and past leaders for their contributions and effort.
He said “Today marks a new chapter for the people of Tasimboko in terms of health and medical services”.
He then urged landowning tribes, chiefs, and community leaders to work together to improve the standard of living through health services in Tasimboko.
Today’s event was marked with cultural gifts of food to the invited guest and all who attended the program.
Amongst the invited guests today were Dr. Derek Sikua (former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands), Philip Kapini (prominent leader of Guadalcanal), Deputy Secretary of MPGIS Mr. Robert Kaua, GP Provincial Health Director Dr. Ray Seleso, and GP officials.
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GP Media.
