The Parliamentary Opposition Group has visited the Gizo Hospital as part of its civic outreach program in Western province.
Director of Gizo Hospital Dr Dickson Boara welcomed the Opposition Group members as they toured the hospital and engaged in discussion with nurses, doctors and patients on the challenges faced at the hospital.
A visit to the laboratory department, doctors and nurses expressed the struggles encountered dealing with frequent lab machine breakdowns and having to do tests manually.
The x-ray machine in Gizo Hospital is currently out of order despite requests for a new one and patients needing one must travel to Munda.
Bed space, lack of basic clinical support and equipment remained an ongoing problem.
However, doctors and nurses have attested to improvements in the availability of medical drugs compared to past years although it still remains an issue.
The immediate need for primary health care and basic health services have also been highlighted.
Lack of linen for bed covers forced patients to bring their own and at most time’s more than one patient had to use the same bed covers just because requests to Honiara fell on deaf ears.
Doctors and nurses have highlighted that the business-as-usual way of doing things needs to be changed and it is a systematic problem.
“Five years down the line Gizo Hospital will be facing bottlenecks like the NRH if there is no priority in improving services in hospitals not only in Gizo but elsewhere around the country,” Dr Michael Belande Buin stressed.
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has acknowledged doctors and nurses at Gizo Hospital for their commitment in serving the people of Western province despite ongoing challenges.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be here to see and listen to the challenges and also the recommendations shared by doctors and nurses at Gizo Hospital. This will help us to advocate on your behalf to the Government and also to recommend policy that will try to address these issues,” he said.
Gizo Hospital Director Dr Boara said his team greatly acknowledged the visit by the Parliamentary Opposition Group.
Other Opposition MPs that accompanied the Opposition Leader includes; MP for West New Georgia/Vona Vona Constituency Hon George Temahua, MP for South New Georgia Rendova & Tetepare Hon David Gina, MP for North Malaita Hon Daniel Waneoroa, MP for Small Malaita Hon Rick Hou and MP for West Makira Hon Derick Manuari.
ENDS//
Opposition statement/photo
