The Native Iowan

The new Gizo hospital

THE Japanese government yesterday officially handed over the state of the art hospital to the National Government in Gizo, Western Province.

Health Ministry under-secretary Dr Cedric Alependava said the new 60 bed hospital has two operating theatres and will serve 100,000 people in Western Province, Choiseul and part of Isabel.Dr Alependava said it would be the country’s second referral hospital offering maternity, medical and surgical care.

He says it would save costly patient transfers to Honiara.

Dr Alependava said the facility was funded and built by the Japanese government describing it as classy, flashy and state-of-the-art with the latest medical equipment.

“We are very, very happy. Since the tsunami in 2007, it has devasted our hospital and most of the clinics and this will definitely help our people especially those sick and providing health care to our population in Solomon Islands, especially Western Province.”

Dr Alependava said it is now up to the National Government to put in the kitchen and laundry facilities before it opens its doors to the first patients early next year.