The Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Morimoto Yashuhiro this week paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Honorable Dr. Culwick Togamana.
The visit had the duo openly share and discussed the status of health response to the global pandemic, challenges and opportunities and the progresses made regarding the Ministry‘s core business. The ambassador also shared his experiences with his recent travels to few health facilities in the provinces.
Regarding Japan’s support towards the health sector, Dr. Togamana acknowledged the ongoing support on training, volunteer and grassroots programs. “ Your excellency I wish to also highlight two substantive contributions from your government, Health Promoting Village project with a budget support of SBD 19 million and the economic and social development project in the provision of COVID-19 health and medical equipment at a cost of SBD, 23 million”,
“Heath Promoting Village project has positively impacted numerous villages across the country and more importantly will enhance their resilience against COVID-19. With regards, to the SBD 23 million, the ministry is grateful to be part of the process of identifying gaps and areas of needs and consequently the signing of the minutes of discussion to commence procurement of the supplies”, stated the Minister.
The Minister highlighted to the Ambassador that the ministry is committed to working closely with the government of Japan in strengthening the country’s health system and looks forward towards an enhanced partnership and collaboration.
In response, the Ambassador acknowledged the Minister for accepting the courtesy visit request and used the opportunity to reassure of his government’s commitment towards the country’s health sector.
“Honorable Minister, as you know we have been supporting some major infrastructure projects one of which is the upgrade of the Kukum highway road nevertheless we are also keen to support the development of the health infrastructures. Thus, I wish to assure that come next year, we will look into supporting the ministry with upgrade of some of the health infrastructures in the provinces including other areas where we can support to enable effective and efficient delivery of health services to the people of Solomon Islands.
ENDS///