18 Sep 2007

Solomons provincial hospital closes doors after attacks on staff and vehicles

10:07 am on 18 September 2007

Kilu'ufi hospital on Malaita has closed its doors for an indefinite period.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation quotes the hospital's Acting Director, Doctor Rex Maukera, as saying the action follows several attacks on a hospital vehicle and staff on duty.

Last Friday, one of the hospital vehicles was attacked by a drunkard on the way to Auki town, and over the weekend, a hospital vehicle was stoned at Farau village, while rushing an emergency case to the hospital.

There were two doctors, a driver, a sick baby and its mother on board the vehicle.

Dr Maukera says while police are investigating the incidents, the hospital will be closed to make the community aware that such behaviour should not go unchecked.