PM congratulates nurses and midwives for their exemplary role in upholding our healthcare system

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare expresses sincere gratitude and congratulations to the country’s nurses and midwives for their exemplary role in upholding the country’s healthcare system.

Prime Minister Sogavare made the statement while commemorating the ‘International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife’ at Town ground, Honiara today.

“It is fitting on this occasion, that I, on behalf of the DCGA Government and all Solomon Islanders express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to our nurses for their exemplary role in upholding our healthcare system. Thank you indeed,” Prime Minister Sogavare punctuated.

The Prime Minister explained, the event is two-fold, One, to commemorate the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, but more significantly, a special day to recognize and appreciate the selfless dedication and commitment of nurses in our country and in our communities.

He said, nurses play a vital role in our health-care system because their concentration lies in patient-care.

“I am proud to say that Solomon Islands have produced some of the best qualified and professional nurses in the region. And I wish to sincerely acknowledge the training institutions for producing such qualified nursing workforce in the country. Keep up the excellent work,” stated the PM.

He adds, the national government, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is currently implementing its flagship policy, the Role Delineation Policy (RDP) to support achieving DCGA vision of empowering Solomon Islanders to attain a meaningful quality of life.

The policy sets out the pathway for health service provision across the country in support of the objectives of the National Health Strategic Plan and our ultimate goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage for our people.

Prime Minister Sogavare said, the Ministry is also reviewing the Nursing Council Act.

Further, consultations on the Health Services Act review had started last year….  “I encourage all of you Nurses and other health professionals to own and participate in the process.”

Prime Minister Sogavare explained, the National Health Strategic Plan 2022 – 2031 launched last year aims to achieve expected outcomes of the Objective 3 of the National Development Strategy 2016 – 2035 for all Solomon Islanders to have access to quality health and education.

The Strategic Plan has also triggered the formulation of the Nursing Strategic Directions 2023 to 2027.

Key areas of focus of the Nursing Strategic Direction include the Nursing Workforce Management, Nursing Education and research, Nursing Leadership and Nursing Practice and Service Delivery.

The Prime Minister is confident, that the formulation and implementation of these Policies will improve nursing practice and health service delivery to the people of Solomon Islands now and into the future.

Nursing is a profession that was first introduced in the Solomon Islands by Missionaries in the early 1800’s, during which the word of God was complimented by the administration of medicines and offering of advises on healthy living in our local communities.

The Roman Catholic, Anglican, South Seas Evangelical Church, Methodist and Seventh Day Adventist were instrumental in providing health care to patients and communities throughout Solomon Islands. It was the churches who also begun training of health workers.

Ends///

– PM PRESS SECRETARIAT