Helena Goldie Hospital in Western Province is facing serious healthcare problems; the Parliamentary Opposition Group has observed.

The Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale, five Opposition MPs and officials visited the hospital and held a dialogue with Moderator of United Church Solomon Islands Rev. Armstrong Pitakaji and hospital staff on Sunday last week.

“The Opposition Office was informed during the meeting that the hospital is currently facing serious issues affecting its operation capacity, and quality health care services,” an Opposition statement said.

“The challenges are categorised as structural conditions, healthcare services and lack of financial support from the National Government,” the statement added.

‘The Parliamentary Opposition was informed that despite the planned handing over of the renovated hospital building for Friday this week, the problems would only become worse.”

According to the Opposition, the building will be handed over on Friday but the sad thing is that it will be handed over with empty rooms because of lack of machines, medical supplies and facilities in place. 

Moreover, operational costs remains a challenge, the Opposition was told.

The Leader of Opposition and the Group also visited the hospital and witnessed contractors forced to finish the building with urgency before Friday.

A building with a plaque promised to be funded by Telekom also stood there as a reminder of a false promise.

The hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Raymond Dickson said overcrowding and lack of equipment for effective diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge.

“Having a new hospital building without addressing these issues will never address challenges faced by Helena Hospital,” he said.

Dr Raymond said failing to address these structural deficiencies would hinder the hospital’s ability to provide adequate healthcare and respond effectively to health emergencies.

The Parliamentary Opposition also visited Helena Goldie and witnessed the lack of quality health care services.

“There is serious shortage of nurses and doctors limiting the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive care.”

The Opposition was told the hospital faced situations that only one nurse is on duty and cases of unpreventable deaths because of shortage of staff and lack of medical supplies and oxygen.

The Opposition was also informed of the lack of training opportunities for medical staff to keep up with medical practice.

Helena Goldie, like other hospitals around the country, also lacks financial support from the National Government.

“Monthly grants funds are intended for operational costs which is inadequate given the rising cost of healthcare delivery, electricity and other operational costs. 

“Helena Goldie is a church owned institution but it needs government support as it is providing healthcare services to Solomon Islanders,” the Opposition said.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has expressed his team’s regret observing the challenges faced by Helena Hospital.

“These are real challenges raised in Parliament by the Opposition all the time but the Government has always defended themselves stating that the health sector is in good hands,” Wale said.

“We have travelled this far to see for ourselves and I can imagine the same challenges other hospitals are facing or even worse,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Wale has applauded doctors and nurses at the hospital for their commitment and dedication in serving the people of Western province.

“I thank you for your dedication,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said he would be raising these issues to the Government so they can find an amicable way in addressing them with urgency.