8 October 2014
NEW EYE CLINIC FOR MALAITA PROVINCE
High Commissioner Andrew Byrne opening a new Eye and Non Communicable Disease Clinic at Kilufii Hospital
More than 140,000 people of Malaita province now have improved access to better health services, with the opening of the Kilufi’i Eye and Non Communicable Disease Clinic at Kilufi’i Hospital in Malaita Province.
Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne, in his first visit to the Province this week, officially opened the clinic in a ceremony at Kilufi’i Hospital which was attended by the Premier of Malaita Province, Edwin Suibaea, Provincial Health officials and members of the Auki community.
Speaking at the opening, Mr Byrne said Australia is proud to be supporting Solomon Islands to improve health care for its people.
“Australia is both a friend and partner to Solomon Islands, especially in the area of health,” he said.
“Our support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is delivered in partnership with the Ministry and is making a real difference to improving the quality and access to basic health care for all Solomon Islanders.”
“Our support to establish eye clinics across the country is in addition to our substantial assistance to the Solomon Islands Government’s own strategic health plan.”
“Our contribution of more than SBD100 million each year assists the Solomon Islands Government to deliver on their commitment to provide good quality basic health care for all Solomon Islanders.”
Funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments under the Pacific Regional Blindness Program, the new clinic will provide screening and treatment services for patients with eye diseases, as well as education and treatment for patients with non-communicable diseases.
The clinic is the latest addition to the network of Eye and Non Communicable Disease clinics around the country. Clinics have already opened in Honiara, Gizo and Kirakira and a clinic will soon open in Avu Avu, Guadalcanal Province. Clinics are also planned for Isabel and Temotu Provinces.