Prime Minister launched 20.8 Million Area Health Center in Konide
The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) launched a 20.8 Million dollars Konide Area Health Center (AHC) and one staff house project that is fully funded by the Solomon Islands Government under its Development Budget 2024/2025 on 13 November 2025.
The Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele who was the guest of honour to the official ceremony launched the Konide AHC, a health facility and a new staff house that is situated in his constituency Hograno, Kia and Havulei in Isabel Province. Prime Minister Manele was accompanied by the Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai and Minister Police and National Security Honourable Jimson Tanaganda.
Prime Minister Manele described the launch as a milestone for his constituency, Isabel Province and the Solomon Islands. However, he stated this launch would not have happen without the support of the people in his constituency and most importantly the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. He thanked the Health Minister Hon. Bosawai for his leadership and MHMS Executive and staff for their immense support to the project.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai, Health Minister described the launch marks the beginning of the improvement of Konide Area Health Center, which would be a new hope and healing for the people in Konide and surrounding communities.
“This remarkable facility represents not only a milestone in our healthcare infrastructure, but a profound commitment to ensure the improvement of healthcare services and health infrastructure across the Solomon Islands.
“We are here to celebrate another breakthrough of the cooperation and working relationship between the National Government, Isabel Provincial Government, Communities and the Private Sector. We are together in this journey and we need each other to enable us to deliver our tangible outputs whether it be in the health sector, in our Provinces or in our communities. Gathering here this morning is a demonstration of our cooperation, partnership and collaboration.
On behalf of the Executive and Staff of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, he extends his deepest appreciation to the Office of the Prime Minister, “Honorable Prime Minister, my very good friend and brother, thank you for taking time amidst your busy and competing priorities to accompany me to this special occassion. We know that we have rescheduled this event a couple of times but we are thankful that God has given us the perfect timing”, said Dr. Bosawai.
Secondly, he acknowledged both the Ministry of National Development Planning and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for going the extra mile in exploring opportunities to help improve and strengthen our health systems and services across the country.
“In recognising the importance of improving health systems, health services and the enhancement of the health capacity and capabilities at Provincial levels, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through its line partner Ministries (Planning and Finance) embarked on a broader health system strengthening investment, an investment to support the improvement of our health facilities in Provinces and close to our people, where our people can have improved access to quality health services without having to struggle and go through financial hardships seeking health services.
“With the support of our partner Ministries (Planning and Finance), the Konide Health Facility improvement is fully financed by the Solomon Islands Government and costs $20.8 million in total. It is indeed a huge investment and commitment by our Government allowing us to own the facility but at the same time the responsibility to look after it. Therefore, I call on our good people of Isabel, and particularly the good people of Konide and surrounding communities to take full responsibility of caring for this facility as it will in turn take care of you”, said Dr. Bosawai.
He further thanked the Solomon Sheet Steel (SSS) construction Ltd for their excellent work in constructing this magnificent building. He noted SSS construction hard work has made a tremendous difference, and they should be proud of what has been achieved.
He said healthcare is the backbone of a healthy society and without the necessary infrastructure and tools, even the most skilled health care workers cannot deliver the quality of care that our people deserve.
“This renovated health facility is a significant step forward in ensuring that the people of Konide and surrounding communities can receive better, more efficient, and safer health care services. The upgraded facility will support our health workers to do their jobs more effectively in a safe working environment and further provide a space where patients can be equally safe, and better treated with dignity and care.
“We know that good health is essential to the prosperity of any nation. With the improved healthcare services, we empower our people to lead productive and fulfilling lives, contributing to the overall well-being and development of our nation. As your Minister of Health, I am committed to ensuring that healthcare continues to be a priority for this government, and I pledged to work with you to make sure that no one is left behind
“For the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, our mission has always been clear: to ensure that quality healthcare is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. Facilities like Konide (and Dedeu that was opened yesterday) bring that mission to life”, said Dr. Bosawai.
He explained, under the Role Delineation Policy, any AHC such as Konide AHC will provide some services that were previously available only in hospitals. These include being able to see a medical officer, a dental officer and access to some basic diagnostic services. Achieving a fully-fledged AHC is resource intensive but given the size of this province and the strategic location of this facility, this is something our officials are already discussing, and it is our hope that in the near future some patients who need to go to Buala hospital or NRH can be managed and treated here in Konide.
“In closure, to my future doctors, nurses, and staff who will serve within these walls, I say this: “your dedication will give meaning to this AHC. The excellence of your service will define its legacy. Each patient you treat, each life you touch, will reflect the values we hold as a nation — empathy, professionalism, and humanity”.
“So as the ribbons are cut today, let it symbolize more than the opening of a facility. Let it mark the beginning of a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for all.
“May Konide Hospital stand for decades to come as a beacon of healing and hope”, said Dr. Bosawai.
In Photo from left to right: Isabel Province Health Director (supervising) Martin Gavira, Isabel Province Premier Lawrence Heyward, Health Minister Hon. Dr. Paul Bosawai, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Minister Police Hon. Jimson Tanaganda and Solomon Sheet Steel Representative.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele delivering his keynote address at the event.
Health Minister Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai sharing his remarks at the event.
Isabel Province Premier Lawrence sharing his remarks at the event.
Prime Minister, Health Minister, Minister Police and Isabel Premier seated at the official event.
Health Minister explaining the use of the equipment inside of the Konide AHC wards.
Inside the corridor of the new AHC.
New Staff house.
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