Solomon Islands marks Pacific first in completing leading Clinical Governance Training

16^th April 2026

 The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), together with the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and Honiara City Council (HCC), today marked a significant milestone in becoming the first country in the region to have Australian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) programmes delivered in-country, with support from Australia.

The milestone was celebrated at the Clinical Governance and High-Level Board Workshop Certificate Presentation Ceremony, held at Honiara Hotel, recognising senior health leaders who successfully completed governance training under the AICG programmes.

The Permanent Secretary for Health, Ms Pauline McNeil said “I am pleased to see the practical changes already taking place on the ground. From improved incident reporting systems to strengthened governance structures, these changes demonstrate how leadership and accountability contribute directly to patient safety and quality of care”.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, highlighted the importance of continued partnership.

“Giving passionate Solomon Islands health leaders access to high-quality, Australian-accredited training was always going to be a winning combination,” said High Commissioner Roach.

“It was great to hear that this locally delivered training is already translating directly into safer care and better outcomes for patients.”

The training brought together senior executives from MHMS, hospital leadership and clinical managers from NRH, and health leaders from Honiara City Council. Participants completed the AICG Certificate in Clinical Governance and the High-Level Board and Executive Workshop, strengthening shared understanding of governance, accountability and quality improvement. The MHMS aims to ensure that the clinical governance mandate covers all health workforce, from the groundsmen and cleaners up to specialists and managers.

As MHMS continues to embed clinical governance across the health system, the achievements celebrated today provide a strong foundation for continued progress, guided by leadership, partnership and a shared commitment to improved health outcomes for all Solomon Islanders.

PHOTOS:

In photo handing over the clinical governance certificate Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil to Aseri Kukari lui and looking onwards NRH chief Executive Officer and DFAT First Health Secretary Ms. Jemma Thomson

DFAT Human Development Counsellor Dr. Tristan Amstrong handed over the clinical governance certificate to MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil and looking on is DFAT First Health Secretary Ms. Jemma Thomson