Solomon Islands to benefit from medical alliance with Taiwan

By George Herming

Solomon Islands is eyeing new benefits from a newly established Medical Alliance with the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the near future.

This was made possible following positive discussions reached during a Health Meeting between Taiwanese Medical Authorities and Health Ministers of its Pacific Allies early this month in Palau.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon Clay Forau said he had offered on behalf of the Solomon Islands government an intention to host a Taiwanese-funded medical institution in the country.

He said Taiwan had strongly indicated willingness to assist the establishment of the institution which will offer more professional training for Solomon Islanders locally.

Among other benefits, the Minister said, Taiwan is willing to improve the status of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara to reach world medical standards.

“This will promote the standard of our Referral hospital to be a model hospital for other Pacific Allies of Taiwan,” Mr. Forau said.

NRH is currently enjoying a sister relationship with a University hospital in Taiwan.

Mr Forau said the idea of offering to host the medical institute in Solomon Islands is to ensure the country participates actively in utilizing Taiwanese aid assistance to Solomon Islands.

“We must not remain only as recipients but we must also become active players.

“The institution will enhance local training here which means interested students from other countries can study here too,” Mr Forau said.

The Minister acknowledged the Taiwanese government for its continuous support towards the health sector-an important sector that remains operational during the ethnic crisis in the country.

Taiwan is one of the most advanced countries in terms medical advancement in the world. It currently offers medical scholarships for Solomon Islanders to study in Taiwanese institutions.

Source: Government Communications Unit