The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has advised the public to visit their nearest community healthcare clinic for general health conditions and non-emergency medical care.
In a public health advisory dated 24 September 2026, the ministry listed common concerns that clinics can handle, including coughs, colds and fever, muscle aches and body pain, and diarrhoea.
The list also includes wound dressing and care, malaria screening and testing, and blood sugar level monitoring.
The ministry said residents in Honiara are encouraged to visit their nearest Honiara City Council (HCC) clinic for routine health services and common health concerns.
According to the advisory, the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Emergency Department remains dedicated to attending to emergency cases and critically ill patients first.
People who come to the emergency department with non-critical conditions may therefore wait longer, the ministry said, because clinical teams give priority to life-threatening emergencies.
The ministry said most visits to the NRH Emergency Department are outpatient cases that can be managed by doctors and nurses at local HCC clinics.
It said using clinics for primary care supports health workers, reduces overcrowding at the emergency department, and keeps emergency staff available for patients who need urgent lifesaving care.
The advisory does not give figures for the number of patients seen at the emergency department or the current waiting times.
The ministry said it appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation in helping to maintain accessible health services.