The new Gizo Hospital will be handed over to the Solomon Islands Government next month.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Lester Ross, has confirmed the August handing over.

JICA is funding the new hospital which is currently in its finishing phase.

Final work being carried includes the hospital's exterior composite construction, installing electrical equipment and work on medical gas, sewage water treatment plant and water catchments.

Dr Ross says local contractors will be engaged to build the hospital's kitchen, fence and laundry after the handing over and before the hospital's official opening.

He says the hospital should open its doors next year.

The new Gizo Hospital is expected to be a two floor 60 bed facility and will be the country's second referral hospital.

It is expected to provide health care services to people from Western, Choiseul and western parts of Isabel Province.