NRH Operating Theatre Set to Resume Normal Operations This Week

By Alfred Pagepitu

The Operating Theatre at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is set to return to its regular operations this week after it went into a period of emergency mode due to the shortage of consumables and anesthetic drugs.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Paul Bosawai announced this in Parliament in response to queries from East Are’Are MP, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Junior.

Kenilorea highlighted the need for an official announcement to help restore public trust in medical services.

Minister Bosawai confirmed that the Ministry of Health will issue a statement as soon as conditions improve.

“We will inform the media when the theatre is back to full operations,” he said.

In a related update, Minister Bosawai revealed that medical supplies will soon to be delivered to the provinces. Bosawai explained that supplies are transported via sea and air freight based on provincial requests.

The National Medical Store ensures that once items arrive, they are distributed to second-level medical stores to guarantee availability at healthcare facilities.

These second-level stores then supply to   provincial hospitals, area health centers, rural clinics, and nurse aid posts.

“This is the model we have practiced for many years,” he noted.

He also mentioned that the ministry collaborates with other government departments to utilize vessel charters, helping to reduce transportation costs.

“Past distributions, we have successfully used charters from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.”

While current practices are in place, the ministry is also exploring new ways to expedite distribution to provinces and hard-to-reach areas while lowering freight costs.

Bosawai discussed the potential for procuring a ship equipped with a clinic to facilitate the delivery of medical supplies and provide clinical care to remote locations.

“We are developing the business case, and I will present it to Cabinet once it’s ready,” he said.

Minister Bosawai also confirmed that six containers containing essential drugs and medical supplies are still awaiting clearance at the wharf, following the successful clearance of 22 full containers and 14 partial containers since early August.

He reiterated gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and acknowledged the shipping agents for their cooperation on the release of the containers.

“Last week, we secured the necessary approvals, and we are hopeful that these six remaining containers will be cleared this year.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hon. Mathew Wale commended the Minister for his dedication and the positive progress made in improving the clearance process.

“I thank the Minister of Health for his hard work and commitment to ensuring that essential medical supplies reach our health facilities,” Wale stated.

ENDS///