Rove clinic with new perimeter fence.
BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
For many families in West Honiara, Rove Clinic is an important place to turn to when they need medical attention. From mothers attending antenatal appointments to children receiving treatment and patients seeking emergency care, the clinic continues to serve thousands of people every year.
To make their visits safer and more comfortable, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has completed a series of improvements at Rove Clinic.
The improvements were officially handed over on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, during a handover and walk-around event at the clinic.
The project was funded through the Provincial Health Facility Fund under the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership, which supports the improvement of frontline health services across the country.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Gregory Jilini, said the improvements were important because Rove Clinic was often the first place families visited when they needed healthcare.
“Rove Clinic is often the first place families turn to when they need care. These upgrades are about making sure that every patient is received in a safe, dignified and welcoming environment,” Dr Jilini said.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Gregory Jilini.
The improvements include an upgraded patient waiting area, a new concrete ambulance bay, better access pathways, improved drainage and new perimeter fencing.
These changes are expected to make it easier for patients and ambulances to access the clinic, reduce problems caused by bad weather and improve security for patients and health workers.
The need for better facilities is clear as the clinic continues to experience growing numbers of patients.
Health records show that Rove Clinic recorded more than 82,000 outpatient consultations between 2024 and September 2026, averaging about 31,000 visits each year.
Antenatal care visits also increased from 674 in 2024 to 1,865 in 2025, showing the growing number of mothers relying on the clinic for healthcare services.
Dr Jilini said the improvements were not just about upgrading buildings but also about supporting the people who depend on health services every day.
“These are not simply buildings or drains. They are part of a health system that mothers, children, older people and people living with disabilities rely on every day,” he said.
He added that continued investment in health facilities was important to ensure communities received safe and quality healthcare.
Through the Provincial Health Facility Fund, provinces and Honiara City Council are receiving support to improve health facilities, staff accommodation, transport, outreach services and medical equipment.
Australia has also planned approximately SBD 19.1 million in support for provincial and Honiara health services in 2027.
For the people of Honiara, the improvements at Rove Clinic represent an important step towards making healthcare facilities safer, more accessible and more welcoming.
Dr Jilini expressed hope that the upgraded facilities would continue serving the community for many years.
“May these improvements continue to serve the people of Honiara for many years to come,” he said.
