MHMS Minister Dr Bosawai and Australia Global Health Ambassador Dr Lucas with officials from the Australian and Solomon Islands Government
MHMS MINISTER MEETS AUSTRALIA’S AMBASSADOR FOR GLOBAL HEALTH
The Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Popora Bosawai along with his Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil and the MHMS executive team, met with Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health Dr Lucas de Toca, the Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton and other senior officials from both the Australian and Solomon Islands governments.
The Australian Global Health Ambassador is currently on a 3-day visit to the Solomon Islands where he will meet with high level government officials in the health sector and visit both National and Provincial hospitals. This is an opportunity for the ambassador to understand the strengths and challenges in the local health sector. This visit will also give him a fair idea of the impact of Australia’s support to the Solomon Islands health sector.
Speaking this morning when meeting the Ambassador, Minister of Health Dr Paul Popora Bosawai acknowledged Australia’s immense budgetary support to local health services.
“I would like to acknowledge the immense budgetary support Solomon Islands has received from Australia over the years. I am particularly grateful for Australia’s support to our provincial health services through provincial grants. It is important that our provincial services are maintained because this is where the majority of our population is located and so it is important that medical services are maintained and accessible for all.”
Minister Bosawai also used the occasion to thank the Global Ambassador for ensuring Solomon Islands remained eligible for GAVI support.
“Thank you, Dr Luca, for advocating on our behalf to ensure Solomon Islands remains eligible for GAVI funding. The continuity of this support is critical as this will save the lives of our children and the children in the future,” said Minister Bosawai.
Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Dr Lucas de Toca, handover the forklift to Health Minister Hon. Paul Bosawai
The Minister accompanied the Ambassador today to the National Referral Hospital, where he received critical lifesaving equipment for the High Dependency Unit. The party also toured Good Samaritan Hospital at Tetere and the National Medical Stores. At the National Medical Stores, the Minister took delivery of a brand-new fork lift, the first every machinery ever to be gifted to the Medical Stores since its establishment.