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Solomon Islands International Health Insurance / Healthcare System |
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The archipelago nation of the Solomon Islands is situated in the South Pacific, with a population exceeding half a million people. Once a former British protectorate, the Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978. In the late 1990's, the country was blighted with several years of civil conflict, which almost brought the Island nation to collapse. Now, the Solomon Islands have stabilized, with an economy which is reliant on timber exports, palm oil production and gold mining.
The Solomon Islands has recently been affected by civil unrest which has influenced the development of the country's healthcare system. The government has now restored peace and together with international bodies has worked together to improve access to quality care. Work is continuing to maintain a healthy environment, promote healthy living and lifestyles and improve the management and supervision of health services. In comparison with developed nations the healthcare sector is still underdeveloped but steps are being made to provide improved care for its citizens.
Throughout the Solomon Islands medical facilities are limited. The National Referral Hospital in the capital Honiara - the most comprehensive healthcare facility in the country - often runs low or out of basic medical supplies such as oral re-hydration salts, basic antibiotics, paracetamol and blood supplies. Visitors to the Solomon Islands are advised to take their own basic medical kit. Because the Solomon Islands is very restricted in medical procedures and health services it can provide, it is recommended that all visitors take out International health insurance for the Solomon Islands and ensure it includes medical air ambulatory services.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services in the Solomon Islands is responsible for overseeing the health sector in the country. Over the last decade the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been working to improve and develop the healthcare system and the enhancement of the general provision of medical services. In a National Health Plan covering the years 2004-2005 and 2006-2008, the ministry highlighted the targets for improvements in the country's healthcare system, with a strategic plan working towards enhancing infrastructure, provision of human resources and funding. The National Health Plan has put much emphasis on the consolidation of healthcare facilities and services in a move to maximize improvements in healthcare and to ensure accessibility to public healthcare services.
The Solomon Islands receives international help and financial aid to assist in the funding of the nation’s healthcare sector - there was an increase in aid from US$ 60 million in 2003 to US$ 122 million in 2004 provided by overseas development grants from international donors. Financial assistance is vital for the Solomon Islands healthcare system as it depends on the capital funds to enable continued development and implementation of changes.
The government is the major source of funding in the Solomon Islands and is responsible for distributing funds for healthcare services on a central and provincial level. In recent years, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has increased expenditure on the country's healthcare services, with approximately US$12 million provided in 2005. The significant increase in funding by the government in the Solomon Island is part of the long term strategy to ensure the healthcare system and service continues to develop.
The Solomon Islands are comprised of nine provinces, with seven of the nine provinces having public hospitals within their regions. The largest and main comprehensive hospital - the National Referral Hospital - serves the country and is based in the Guadalcanal Province. The Provinces of Rennel and Bellona have no hospitals. As part of the National Health Plan, the public hospital infrastructure was up-dated and refurbished. In addition to public hospitals, there are public healthcare centres and nurse aide posts distributed throughout the province to meet local population needs.
In 2005, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services healthcare network stood at a total of 89 doctors, 52 dentists, 620 nurses and 53 pharmacists. In addition to public healthcare services, there are private hospitals located in the Western Province, Malaita Province and in the Choiseul Province. Foreign nationals are required to pay for all medical treatment and healthcare services they may need to access while in the Solomon Islands. Non-citizens of the Solomon Islands will normally need to pay up front before they can be treated.
Prevalent to the Solomon Islands are food-borne, water-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases which include filariasis, hepatitis and tuberculosis. It is recommended travelers to the country ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that they only drink boiled or bottled water; also raw and undercooked food should be avoided.
The mosquito transmitted diseases dengue fever and malaria are common across the Solomon Islands. Malaria can occur throughout the year and dengue fever can occasionally manifest itself. It is recommended that all visitors to the country use reliable insect repellent at all times and seek a doctor’s advice before visiting the Solomon Islands.
If you are planning on diving while in the Solomon Islands you need to be aware there is only one decompression chamber, which is located in the capital Honiara - at the In-the-Zone Medical centre - which is run by volunteers. Scuba divers should seek advice from a registered dive operator, who has knowledge of the diving situation in the Solomon Islands. Divers need to bear-in-mind that there is limited medical treatment available in the country and in a medical emergency situation a patient may need to be air lifted to New Zealand or Australia for treatment. It is important, therefore, to ensure your international medical insurance covers you for all medical circumstances, including those where air ambulances or medical evacuation may be necessary.
All visitors to the Solomon Islands need to consider that the Solomon Islands have limited healthcare services across the country. There is also a shortage of basic medical supplies and visitors should bring their own basic medical kit in case they require medication for a minor aliment. Also when taking out international health insurance for the Solomon Island it is important to ensure emergency evacuation cover is included, as medical procedures will need to be conducted in either neighboring New Zealand or Australia, where there are medical centres of excellence. The financial cost of air ambulatory services can amount to thousands of dollars and may become a financial problem for a patient, if their international medical insurance does not give them the correct coverage.
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Solomon Islands International Health Insurance |
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If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Solomon Islands, international medical insurance plan will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Solomon Islands. Should you require further information on Solomon Islands and international health insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now.
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