Solomon Islands opposition leader urges Pacific Games funding be diverted to COVID-19 fight

Opposition leader Matthew Wale has called on the Solomon Islands Government to re-direct resources, including funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, toward health facilities to ease COVID-19 pressure.

"It's crazy that the government budgeted SBD100 million (£9.2 million/$12.3 million/€11.1 million) for Pacific Games 2023 preparations while our healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing due to COVID pressure," Wale told the Solomon Times.

"It's sad that stadium construction has taken precedence over hospital facilities."

Wale further accused Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of contradicting himself on COVID-19, contradicting the Health Minister's remark last year that the NRH was prepared and equipped to deal with the epidemic.

"We are in the midst of a health crisis that necessitates a more holistic strategy," he says.

Solomon Island Opposition Leader, 2022. Pic.Source:solomonstarnews.com

Wale advocated for greater funding for the National Referral Hospital (NRH), new field hospitals, and the healthcare sector as a whole.
Since the beginning of the year, when the first community case was discovered, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Solomon Islands has risen dramatically.
Today, the Ministry of Health revealed 143 additional cases, including an epidemic among NRH employees.
This month has also seen five coronavirus-related deaths, the country's first since the outbreak began.
The President's Cup, a new domestic football competition set to begin on February 1, has been postponed, and the country has been placed under lockdown.
Source:By Eliott Brennan