Government’s intention to explore a labour mobility scheme that would see Solomon Islands nurses and doctors sent to the Cook Islands has been slammed by the Opposition Hon Matthew Wale describing the move as ‘short sighted and reckless.’
In a statement today, Wednesday, Wale said the Prime Minister’s recent announcement reflects his disconnect from the harsh realities faced by Solomon Islanders within the country’s ailing health system.
“Our health system is in crisis. What ordinary Solomon Islanders all throughout the Country face daily is a system plagued by chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a severe shortage of essential medicine, equipment, and medical professionals,” Hon. Wale said.
The Opposition Leader described the proposal as lacking basic common sense.
“Government should be focused on recruiting, training, and retaining more health professionals, not exporting the few we have left. Every clinic and hospital across the country is in urgent need of staff. That should be the priority,” Hon Wale said.
Hon Wale said the Prime Minister’s announcement demonstrates a troubling lack of policy direction and vision.
“There is no coherent policy here. It is deeply concerning that this is what Government is offering at a time when our people are crying out for better services and improved healthcare access. It is a sad indictment on this government’s leadership,” Hon. Wale said.
While acknowledging the benefits of labour mobility programs in certain sectors, Hon. Wale said such schemes must not come at the cost of critical national services.
“Labour mobility programs are a useful short-term response to unemployment. But it becomes nonsensical when it involves sending away already employed professionals, especially when they are among the few essential health workers we have. It is like exporting food while your own people are starving” Hon. Wale said.
Hon. Wale stressed that Government’s focus should be on improving the working conditions for doctors and nurses, while at the same time pursuing a robust economic policy that is centred on job creation for Solomon Islanders in Solomon Islands.
Hon Wale urged the Prime Minister to abandon any policy that proposes sending nurses and doctors overseas and instead focus on rebuilding the health system and its workforce.
“Our doctors and nurses are not surplus labour. They are the backbone to the healthcare system of this country. The way forward is not to export them, but to invest in our national capacity. Our people deserve a health system that is functional, well-staffed, and responsive to their needs” Hon. Wale said.