Discussion minutes on the preparatory survey for the Project for construction of Kilu’ufi Hospital was signed last week by Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Health Permanent Secretary and Mr. Hiraoka Hisakazu, Leader of the Preparatory Survey Team, JICA.

The signing of the document now officially endorses all discussions, arrangements and agreed roles and responsibilities towards Kiluufi Hospital project paving way for the commencement of further preparatory survey proposed for completion by June 2022 with presentation to MHMS by November 2022 before the project proceeds to actual construction work.

The project aims to improve the function of Kilu’ufi hospital through expanding the facility to cater for expanded range of improved health services with enough space for storage, staff, patients and visitors. This is part and parcel of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of health to improve health services in Malaita Province and the country as a whole.

At the meeting last week, Mr. Hisakazu, Leader of the Preparatory Survey Team, JICA outlined to Mrs. McNeil and MHMS team the various components of the discussions minutes from project objectives to shared responsibilities and work schedules amongst other items.

In her brief remarks after inking her signature to the document, Mrs. McNeil thanked the people and the Government of Japan through JICA for the funding and technical support rendered, describing it as a significant milestone in the health sector and a huge life changing project for the people of Malaita.

“Your support will go a long way to serving well the health needs of our people in Malaita province who form the largest portion of our population. With the expansion of health services at Kiluufi via this project, improved health services and outcomes for Malaita will also greatly contribute to national health outcomes.

“Though the journey has only just began, my ministry is fully committed to ensuring this project reaches its completion in a timely manner”, said Mrs. McNeil.

She assured that health’s share of responsibilities stipulated in the endorsed documents will be fulfilled to the best of the Ministry’s ability and capacity with the support of key partner Ministries of the Government and of course the support from our team on the ground led by Dr Rex Maukera, Provincial Health Director, Malaita Province.

Source: Press Release