Naha Birthing Urban Health Centre Complete
Media release
Construction of the SBD250 million Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is now complete, with final commissioning and staff training underway ahead of its grand opening.
Australian High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, joined senior officials from Honiara City Council and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to tour the new facility and a briefing on next steps and operational readiness ahead of opening.
Deputy Secretary Health Care for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Gregory Jilini, said his team was impressed with the results of many years of design, consultation and construction, and efforts to ensure the centre was ready to welcome community upon opening.
“This is a very impressive, high-quality building that fundamentally changes the standard of healthcare delivery in Solomon Islands.”
“The facility sets a new benchmark for patient-centred birthing services and community-based healthcare,” Dr Jilini said.
“We’re now working hard to induct and train the staff who will operate the facility, so they’re ready and prepared to realise a new vision care when the centre doors are opened to the public.”
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre brings together two facilities on a single site: a 24/7 Birthing Centre with five private suites and 17 beds for uncomplicated births, and an Urban Health Centre delivering services including x-ray, ultrasound, pathology, pharmacy, dental care, procedures, and maternal and child health.
Two single level buildings are connected by covered walkways; resilient to floods, fire and earthquakes, and feature climate smart design such building shading and solar panels to provide additional energy savings.
Australian High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, said it was incredibly exciting to see the project realise the dreams of so many in the community for a modern health facility close to home.
“Walking around the facility, with its shaded garden areas, community artworks and thoughtful design, really transports you to another place, and I’m sure this will have a positive impact on those working here and those who come for birthing and primary health care.”
Provincial Health Director, Dr Lawrence Diau, said it was satisfying to see the health facility taking its final shape.
“The pressure on the National Referral Hospital for births is one of the biggest issues in this country, so the new health facility with five extra birthing suites, will more than double Honiara birthing capacity,” Dr Diau said.
“This facility sets a very high standard, and Honiara City Council will proud custodians of much needed quality health services in Honiara.”
Centre staff are now undertaking a range of inductions and training to ensure they’re ready to safely operate and maintain the facility.
This includes specialised training in waste management to ensure everyone is well versed to manage and safely deal with waste from the facility.
High Commissioner Roach said the Centre was a proud symbol of Australia’s continuing commitment to supporting quality health services in Solomon Islands.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together; from community and health worker input during design, to the hundreds of local workers engaged in construction, and the strong partnership between agencies and Australia delivering this modern facility to bring maternal and primary health care closer to families.”
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is expected to be handed over in the coming weeks, with services to be rolled out in stages, beginning with the Urban Health Centre, followed by the Birthing Centre.
