The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in partnership with the World Bank, has launched the Tulagi Hospital Improvement Project and a new incinerator facility at a handover ceremony, according to SIBC News.

The new facility will provide a more efficient waste management solution.

Operations are set to resume in two of the newly completed buildings at the Tulagi Hospital, with the remaining two buildings expected to be ready by mid-December.

Health Care deputy secretary Gregory Jilini said: “I’m happy that today we can now say that we have a new facility that can, once we equip it with the right equipment, have all the basic services that you would expect in a hospital.”

These initiatives are funded by the World Bank Covid-19 Emergency Response Project, which provides financial and technical assistance to improve public health interventions and increase disease surveillance.

The Project Management Unit within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services implemented the initiatives.

Construction on the project commenced in February this year and included the renovation of various facilities such as the administration building, operation theatre, isolation unit, and labour ward.

The Tulagi incinerator facility, developed by RSF Construction, represents one of four such facilities funded by the World Bank in the country.

Central Province Premier Michael Salini said: “We gather here to witness the handing over of the renovated buildings, which, for many years to come, will continue to transform healthcare service delivery to our people.

“I, on behalf of my government and the people of Central Province, are deeply honoured to convey our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.”

The inauguration of the Tulagi Hospital Improvement Project and the new incinerator facility was attended by officials and community members from Savo and Ngella Island.