The newly upgraded Kilu’ufi hospital
By Andrianah Kole
Japan has officially handed over the newly upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital in Solomon Islands’ Malaita Province, marking a major investment in the country’s healthcare system.
The SBD$130 million redevelopment project was formally handed over on 14 July 2026 during a ceremony attended by government leaders, Japanese officials, provincial representatives and community members.
The upgraded hospital features a new outpatient and emergency department, operating theatre, Central Sterile Services Department, birthing suite, medical imaging unit and pharmacy dispensary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Health and Medical Services Morris Toiraena said the project would play a vital role in improving healthcare services across Malaita Province.
“The Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project is critical for strengthening general hospital services while laying the foundation for future expansion into specialist care,” Toiraena said.
He said the Government planned to continue investing in essential support services, including laboratory facilities, physiotherapy, biomedical services and additional hospital wards.
“This project is more than a new facility—it is an investment in the health and future of Malaita Province and the country. By supporting our women, children, and all those who need medical care, and by working together with our partners and communities, we are building a stronger, more resilient health system that will serve generations to come,” he said.
The Health Minister also thanked the Government of Japan for funding the project and acknowledged former health ministers, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for helping initiate and deliver the redevelopment.
Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Keiichi Higuchi, described the handover as another milestone in the long-standing friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I officially hand over these buildings and medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the people of Solomon Islands,” Higuchi said.
The Ambassador said the project covers more than 2,000 square meters and includes a new clinical services building and a maternity delivery building equipped with modern operating theatres, advanced medical imaging technology and enhanced emergency care facilities.
“This hospital represents Japan’s strong desire to achieve shared success with Solomon Islands. In practical terms, this means Japan hopes this hospital will continue to serve the needs of patients for many years to come,” he said.
He also called on the Solomon Islands Government to ensure the hospital is properly maintained so it can continue serving communities well into the future.
Malaita Province Premier Hon. Elijah Asilaua welcomed the completion of the project, describing the occasion as a historic milestone for the province and a celebration of the enduring friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands.
Speaking on behalf of the people and the Malaita Provincial Government, Premier Asilaua said the handover was more than the completion of an infrastructure project.
“Today is not merely the launching of another infrastructure project. Rather, it is the celebration of friendship, the strengthening of an enduring partnership, and the reaffirmation of our collective commitment to improving the lives of our people through quality health services,” he said.
The Premier said the project marked another important chapter in the warm bilateral relationship between the two countries, demonstrating how genuine friendship built on mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations could deliver meaningful and lasting development outcomes.
He acknowledged Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Health Minister Morris Toiraena, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and Solomon Islands Government officials for their commitment and cooperation in successfully delivering the project.
Premier Asilaua also paid tribute to successive national governments for maintaining strong relations with Japan, saying the partnership had continued to create development opportunities that benefit provinces throughout Solomon Islands.
He said the successful completion of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project reflected what could be achieved through close collaboration between the National Government, the Malaita Provincial Government and international partners.
“The successful realization of this Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project is evidence of what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the National Government, Provincial Government and our international partners. It reflects our common determination to address the health needs of our citizens while investing in the future,” he said.
The Premier said the people of Malaita looked forward to improved medical and healthcare services that would better meet the growing needs of communities across the province.
Originally built in 1965 by the British Colonial Government, Kilu’ufi Hospital has served as Malaita Province’s main referral hospital for more than six decades.
With the province’s population approaching 170,000, officials say the expanded facilities are expected to improve access to healthcare within Malaita while reducing the number of patients requiring referral to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
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