In photo: Health Permanent Secretary and MHMS Senior Executive, WB Project Management Unit Manager, Western Province Health rep and together with Chiefs and Elders of Shortlands.
NILA ISOLATION UNIT PROJECT LAUNCH
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil this morning launched the SBD6.4 million dollars Nila Isolation Unit project in the Shortlands that was funded under the World Bank Covid-19 project through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Project Management Unit.
Nila Area Health Center, Committee Chairman Mr. Ephrem Ambrose at the launch ceremony welcome all the delegates from Honiara to Nila. He stated, the official launch marks a significant milestone for the Nila AHC and people of Shortlands.
“The completion of this isolation unit reflects our shared commitment to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring better preparedness for public health emergencies. This facility will greatly improve our ability to provide safe and effective care to our people”, said Mr. Ambrose.
Chief Lawrence Hotomo, representing the elders, women, youth and children across Shortlands thanked the Donor Partner World Bank through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Solomon Islands Government for seeing the need of establishing the Isolation Unit at Nila, Shortlands.
“From us; the chiefs, elders, men, women, youth and children thanked the National Government through the Ministry of Health, the World Bank, the Western Provincial Health Department, the contractor JED for working together and bringing this project to a successful end”, said Chief Hotomo.
Speaking on behalf of the Western Provincial Health Director Dr. Dickson Boara, Senior Nurse Mr. Moses Lamana thanked the people of Shortland for working together with the Government and contractor to successfully complete the Isolation Unit. He urged the Nila Health workers and people of Shortlands to take good care of the new Isolation Unit.
In her keynote address Health Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Pauline McNeil, said, “On behalf of the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Honorable Dr Paul Bosawai and my Senior Executive Management team, it is indeed an honour for me to stand here today in Nila, at the very edge of our nation’s western border. We are not just here to commission a building; we are here to celebrate a significant milestone in our journey towards a more resilient Solomon Islands”.
She highlighted, the Nila Isolation Unit, is a project born from the necessity of the COVID-19 pandemic but built for the long-term security of our people. She noted, the Shortlands occupy a unique and strategic position. “You are our first line of defence, situated at our international border. For too and, the remoteness of this region meant that health emergencies required challenging journeys to Gizo, Taro or Honiara”.
“By establishing this unit here, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) is bringing essential health infrastructure to the doorstep of the “remote” West”.
“This facility ensures that any future cross-border transmissions—be it COVID19 or other fatal outbreaks—can be detected, isolated, and treated right here, preventing the spread to the rest of the province. This is not a temporary fix. This is a $6.4 million investment in Health Systems Strengthening”, said Mrs. McNeil.
PS McNeil commended the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the contractor, JED Enterprise Ltd and the local construction workers, for their work throughout 2024.
She described, executing construction projects in remote areas is a significant challenge that requires thorough planning and dedication and the PMU and the contractor successfully delivered the project according to the design and scope. This facility is built to international standards, including:
- A robust concrete foundation and modern build A robust concrete foundation and modern building structure.
- High-quality internal fittings.
- Solar panel set with energy efficient lighting system.
She noted, the project was implemented under strict World Bank and SIG policies, ensuring that environmental and social safety remained a priority throughout construction.
“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the World Bank for the funding provided through the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project. To the people of Nila and the wider Shortlands: this facility belongs to you. I ask you to take ownership of it, to support the health workers who will staff it, and to view it as a symbol of the government’s commitment to your wellbeing.
The Health Permanent Secretary commended the Catholic mission in Nila, through Bishop Capelle and his team, allowing its land in Nila for the construction of the health facility. “Without the partnership and your oversight, this event would not have happened today. Thank you indeed”.
“Distance must no longer dictate the quality of healthcare. Today, Nila is better prepared. The Western Province is stronger. The Solomon Islands is more secure and resilient. It is now my distinct honour and pleasure to officially hand over the Nila Isolation Unit to the health authorities and the people of the Shortlands”, said Mrs. McNeil.
“The Ministry of Health further acknowledged and conveyed its sincere gratitude to the Member of Parliament for Shortlands and Minister for Ministry of Home Affairs, Honourable Isikeli Vave Jnr, for his unwavering support and continuing advocacy for the improvement of social services and development in his constituency”.
Meanwhile, some of the women who attended the event today shared similar joy and sentiments of the Isolation Unit project, stated, they are looking forward to using the services that will be provided in that facility.
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Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil sharing her keynote address at the launch ceremony.
Western Provincial Health Department representative, Senior Registered Nurse Moses Lamana.
Nila Hospital Committee Chairman Ephrem Ambrose sharing the welcome remarks at the event.
Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil been greeted by the chiefs and elders at the launch event in Nila, Shortlands.
Health Permanent Mrs. Pauline McNeil was greeted by the Nila AHC Senior Nurse.
Officials and guests during the tour inside the new isolation unit.
Women, youth and children touring the new isolation unit.
Victor Temenu Zone Supervisor nurse inside the new isolation unit.
Some of the school children, women and children who came to witness the event.
MHMS Permanent Secretary and Senior Executive Management during the event at Nila.
Health officials, and other government officers serving at the Shortlands Boarder together with Shortlands Community Representative.
The new Isolation Unit.
Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil and school students of Don Bosco CHS.