The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) yesterday afternoon received medical equipment including 2 medical autoclaves, 400 oximeters, 200 blood pressure monitors, 95 ventilators, and 975 thermometers from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
In receiving the medical equipments’ Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai stated the event demonstrated the strong friendship between the People’s Republic of China and the Solomon Islands cordial relationship both established over 5 years ago, since 2019.
“What brings us together here is to again recognise the need to make available basic medical equipment that every healthcare facility needs to have, irrespective of its size. Whether it is a small health facility or a Provincial Hospital, these health facilities must ensure to have this basic but very vital equipment to deal with their patients effectively”, said Dr Bosawai.
He highlighted with a rapidly growing population, changing disease pattern, especially increasing burden of NCDs, and the introduction of new services and technologies required to address them, the demand placed on our limited budget to increase procurement of specialised equipment, basic essential equipment, medicines and consumables also increase but not adequately met.
He explained the budgets for specialised or basic medical equipment, as well as medicines and consumables over the years have not matched the actual health service needs.
“And as prices of goods and services increases, the fiscal space to increase quantities of medicines procured is very small and ensuring timely distribution of supplies throughout the country often difficult. The end result is frequent stock outs”, said Dr Bosawai.
He thanked PRC for its ongoing helping hand and support. He stated during the times and occasion when the Ministry was in need of help, PRC was always readily available to help. The most recent support to the Ministry was the kind donation of SBD$500,000.00 in July this year to support the procurement emergency medicine supplies in an effort to help the Ministry maintain an adequate level of supplies from now until the end of the year.
“The support is but one of the many assistances your government has rendered to my ministry since the establishment of our diplomatic relationships.
“The support of 2 medical autoclaves, 400 oximeters, 200 blood pressure monitors; 95 ventilators; and 975 thermometers, are basic medical equipment that every healthcare facility should and must have to. This huge support will indeed go a long way and will help thousands of patients who will need medical care from our hospitals and clinics”, said Dr Bosawai.
Meanwhile, People’s Republic of China (PRC), His Excellency Ambassador Cai Weiming stated as a close friend and reliable partner, China has consistently supported the Solomon Islands in improving its healthcare system. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands the partnership has brought significant improvement to the healthcare system.
H.E Cai Weiming outlined over the years three batches of Chinese medical teams have delivered vital medical services to over 25,000 patients; the Chinese Navy Hospital ship Ark Peace visited Solomon Islands and provided medical assistance to more than 10,000 patients within just one week, and this year in February China donated medical supplies worth over SBD630,000, in addition to recent emergency financial support for MHMS, to procure much needed medical supplies.
“Each of these contributions stands as a true reflection of the deep friendship and partnership between China and Solomon Islands. We believe that the health of the people is an important symbol of the prosperity of a nation and the strength of a country”, said H.E Cai Weiming.
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