RSIPF’s new advanced autopsy laboratory opens

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) boosted its capabilities with a new forensic autopsy laboratory with the assistance from People’s Republic of China (PRC) on 16 February 2023 at National Referral Hospital (NRH).

The forensic autopsy laboratory program is worth two million Solomon dollars including the equipment worth 1.4 million SBD and the infrastructure worth six hundred thousand dollars.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced systems for anatomy, evidence collection, photography, sterilization, ventilation, and cooling. It will be a benchmark for similar laboratories in the region.

His Excellency (HE), Ambassador Mr. Li Ming says, “I believe this handing over ceremony will be another milestone in the history of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Solomon Islands (SI). The two countries have maintained a high level of cooperation based on mutual respect and equality.”

Ambassador Li says, “From now on, Solomon Island will have its own forensic autopsy laboratory with advanced equipment. This laboratory is the first fully equipped forensic autopsy laboratory in Solomon Islands that will contribute in the improvement of forensic capability of RSIPF and facilitate pathologist related work for the National Referral Hospital.”

Minister of the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services (MPSCS) Mr. Anthony Veke says, “Much have been shared by both representatives of our respective police forces to advance peace and security in our beloved nation by upholding the principle of mutual respect, professionalism, efficiency, friendship, inclusiveness and transparency. I am very pleased to witness the fruitful results of the bilateral police cooperation between SI and PRC.”

Veke says, “The importance of having a proper forensic autopsy laboratory is critical to support crime investigations and legal proceedings thereby building the confidence in our Police and Justice system. It is no doubt that this laboratory will further enhance the RSIPF investigation capability and provide a better working environment for the forensic and medical examiners to carry out their work professionally and diligently.”

Minister Veke also acknowledged the Chinese Government, the Chinese Embassy and China Police liaison Team (CPLT) for their ongoing commitment in the delivery of various supported projects and professional training.

Supervising Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) Dr. Gregory Jililly says, “I want to acknowledge China for the assistance that make up for the limited and insufficient resources of the MHMS and will improve the ability of the Solomon Islands health care system to diagnose the cause of death. Solomon Islands will consider autopsies as a routine test for deaths of unknown cause in the future.

Dr Jililly says the forensic anatomy laboratory provides strong support for the RSIPF and the MHMS.

CPLT leader Commissioner Zhang Guangbao handed over the mock key of the laboratory to the RSIPF Supervising Commissioner Mr. Ian Vaevaso then he handed over the mock key to NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Malefoasi.