460 new babies born each month at NRH or about 15 babies a day

A total of 460 new babies are delivered at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) each month—with 5,500 babies a year. Based on the figures, about 15 babies born each day at the NRH.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil revealed the data as she welcomes the resumption of work at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.

She said currently, the National Referral Hospital delivers 5,500 babies a year or nearly 460 babies every month, while also attending to birthing complications and referrals from the Provinces.”

McNeil admitted that this puts pressure on bed space, staffing and management of resources.

In that regard, she said the Naha Birthing Facility, once completed, will ease some of these pressures given that the Honiara City Council Urban Services does not currently provide birthing services. “We are pleased to be working closely with the Australian Government through DFAT to ensure the project progresses smoothly and that our stakeholders are regularly informed on progress and status of the project,” PS McNeil said.

The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre which is funded by Australia will provide birthing, ante and post-natal care services for women. The redesigned facility includes an emergency operating theatre and will provide eye, dental, pathology, x-ray and ultrasound services, and a community-based pharmacy. A large general-purpose room will provide a flexible space for public and community health initiatives.

A joint statement issued by Australia and Solomon Islands Governments states that the the redesigned 34-bed facility will significantly improve health outcomes for Solomon Islanders by providing high quality care in a modern, durable building.