Parliament is seeking public submissions for an inquiry into Caesarean sections, commonly known as C-sections, at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
A C-section is an operation to deliver a baby through a cut in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It may be planned or carried out as an emergency when complications make it necessary to protect the mother or baby.
The Health and Medical Services Committee is examining whether the NRH has the staff, equipment and supplies needed to provide safe and timely C-sections.
The inquiry will look at the availability of medical staff, medicines, blood supplies, laboratory services and operating theatres. It will also examine how pregnant women who need urgent specialist care are referred and transported from provincial and remote communities.
The Committee visited the NRH Labour Ward and Post Natal Ward on 2 October. Members also visited the Naha Birthing Centre and received briefings from senior doctors and NRH chief executive Dr George Malefoasi.
The NRH has four delivery suites and 10 labour beds, according to information released by Parliament. A proposed maternal complex is expected to add four delivery suites.
The Naha Birthing Centre has five delivery suites and 17 antenatal and postnatal beds.
The inquiry will also examine infection prevention, the effects of resource shortages and the availability of emergency obstetric care outside Honiara. It will consider ways to improve referrals and reduce delays for women who need urgent treatment.
The inquiry comes amid broader challenges in providing healthcare across Solomon Islands, where distance and transport difficulties can make it harder for people in remote communities to reach specialist services.
The Committee has invited individuals, community groups and organisations to submit their views and experiences. It will use the evidence gathered to prepare a report for Parliament. No findings have yet been released.
The inquiry’s terms of reference are available from the National Parliament website at www.parliament.gov.sb or through the Committee Secretariat.
Submissions must be received by 4.30pm on Friday, 16 October 2026. They can be emailed to ComSec@parliament.gov.sb or posted to the Chairperson of the Health and Medical Services Committee, National Parliament of Solomon Islands, P.O. Box G19, Honiara. The Secretariat can be contacted on 24164.
Members of the public with relevant information or experience are encouraged to make submissions before the deadline to help inform the inquiry.
