Dr. Bosawai Acknowledges 28 percent Budget Increase for Healthcare
The MP for North Guadalcanal and Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Paulson Bosawai, has acknowledged the largest increase in the healthcare budget to date, with a 28 percent rise. He expressed gratitude to Parliament for its support, stating that the additional funding will assist in contributing to the free healthcare services for all Solomon Islanders.
During his address in Parliament, Dr. Bosawai outlined the Ministry’s focus on improving governance in the health sector, supporting healthcare workers, and ensuring broader access to essential healthcare services. He also highlighted the ongoing legislative reforms, including updates to the Health Administrative Act, the Nursing Council Act, and a review of the outdated Health Services Act. These efforts, he said, are essential to modernizing the country’s healthcare system.
One of the key issues Dr. Bosawai addressed was the shortage of skilled healthcare workers, which he identified as a major obstacle to achieving the country’s health goals. He confirmed that the Ministry is working on a long-term strategy to address this gap, aiming to build a stronger and more efficient health workforce that can meet current and future demands.
Dr. Bosawai also reported on progress in infrastructure development, including the refurbishment and renovation of several rural health facilities, as well as the construction of a laboratory in Lata and the Naha Birthing Centre in Honiara. He acknowledged the significant contributions of international partners such as Australia, China, and Japan in supporting these projects.
However, Dr. Bosawai was candid about the ongoing challenges in the sector, particularly regarding medicines and drug supplies. He thanked the public for their patience and apologized for any inconvenience caused, noting that these issues would not be resolved overnight. He emphasized that, despite being in office for just over seven months, his Ministry is actively working to address these gaps.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Bosawai expressed appreciation for the dedicated workforce within the Ministry of Health and challenged all ministers to work diligently to meet the needs of the people who elected them, as he strives to do within his own Ministry.
