National Referral Hospital Receives Mammography Machine from Solomon Islands Maritime Authority
The National Referral Hospital received a mammography machine from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) yesterday. Valued at over SBD 1.2 million dollars, the machine is part of SIMA’s Community Engagement program and is funded through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). The collaboration aims to support the prevention and early diagnosis of breast and cancer, succeeding the original machine gifted to the NRH in 2014.
The mammography machine is an x-ray to the breast to identify early signs of breast cancer, representing the most effective method for early identification. Dr. Andrew Soma, Head of the Cancer Unit, emphasized during the handover ceremony that early detection leads to easier treatment with better prognoses. Regular and early screening significantly reduces the risks of women succumbing to breast cancer.
The machine, once operational, is anticipated to save lives in the Solomon Islands through early detection. At the handover ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil, expressed gratitude to SIMA and lauded the strong partnership between SIMA and MHMS.
McNeil stated, “Today’s handover is a milestone event and a manifestation of the close collaboration between SIMA and MHMS, 12 months after we signed an MOU and agreed on the purchase of the machine. This partnership is commendable and we look forward to continuing working with SIMA under the current MOU in the future to provide better and improved health care for Solomon Islanders”.
She also highlighted concerns over rising chemotherapy cases, noting an increase from 39 new cases in 2019 to 99 in 2022 and the increase in total cumulative cases from 321 in 2019 to 743 in 2022. McNeil urged women and girls to undergo early screening, emphasizing its importance in spotting breast cancer in its most manageable stages.
Addressing the event, SIMA Director Thierry Nervale expressed pride in supporting the community through the provision of a mammography machine, emphasizing the personal impact of cancer on individuals and communities. He encouraged women to come forward for examinations.
Dr. Andrew Soma, the hospital Oncologist highlighted the challenge faced by the NRH in providing palliative care for cancer patients, a concern acknowledged by NRH CEO Dr. George Malefoasi, who deemed it crucial for the hospital’s strategic vision.
Source: MHMS
