By MHMS Press
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the National Referral Hospital (NRH) this week received and officially launched the new CT scan building at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
The building complex will house highly sophisticated medical equipment, the CT scan machine, and all its accessories including staff. It also provides pathway for all types of patients, referred in for emergency CT, those patients coming from the inpatient wards, and those from public coming from a doctor who referred them for CT examination.
In his welcome remarks, Dr George Malefoasi, Chief Executive Officer of NRH highlighted that the event marks a milestone for the government, Ministry of Health and the hospital especially medical imaging department.
“As such, sincere thank you to Health Minister Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana and Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil for the support rendered towards the project in terms of funding allocation of a 12.6 million dollar despite many competing priorities. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Aaron Oritaimae who has been the key person behind this project”.
Dr Oritaimae, Head of the Radiology Department of NRH and Manager of the CT scan project, described it as a long marathon with years of planning and work. He however said with renewed commitment and serious considerations by parliament and the government, the project has picked up and is set for completion by end of this year.
“It is reassuring to note great support from both the government and the opposition to actually make this happen. Thus this CT project has now become a national health priority project, supported fully by parliament and the government”.
Dr Oritaimae explained that although this is a huge, technical and complex project, the good news is that it is coming to its end with many milestones achieved over the years including the completion of the building and arrival of two new-trained radiologists who have started work this year.
“However, there is still a final lap to go, which consist of CT equipment and its accessories, system and process strengthening and human resources training. A radiation safety compliance certificate, after all test requirement is performed on the CT Machine inside the CT examination room , and fully functional service will be the end milestone for the project. These activities includes, successful installation and end-user application training. All in all, the CT project is on schedule to be completed in November 2021”, stated the Project Manager.
Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana, Health Minister in delivering the key address at the event congratulated the CT scan project steering committee under the leadership of the NRH CEO and Head of Radiology for the job well done so are.
“This project as highlighted has become a national project in which the government is fully supportive of, thus this commitment to see its completion as reflected in the budgetary allocation of 12m dollars to Health”.
He also acknowledged Kramer Ausenco company for the engineering and architecture work behind the building and locally owned construction firm Hatanga, for the work in completing the building. “Truly this is the first of its kind and with its complicated specific technical requirements, we can all see that you have delivered well. Thank you”.
Meanwhile, the Minister assured of continuous support from the government to preserve and enhance the health of the people.
“It is indeed a pleasure to have been given this assignment noting its importance towards the health of our people. Truly, it was not an easy undertaking but we are pleased that we have managed to reach its completion. Hatanga Company remains committed towards supporting the government in its national projects and programs and stand ready for future engagements should the need arises,” said the Managing Director of Hatanga Jay Bartlett.
The CT scan project is fully funded by Solomon Islands Government.
