Trial Program Brings Medical Care Closer to Communities

Health services in Luganville are set to improve as Santo Medical, one of the largest charitable medical providers in Luganville, partners with the Luganville Municipal Council (LMC).

The partnership allows Santo Medical to deliver healthcare services through the council’s dispensaries across the four wards of LMC.

“The partnership is for Santo Medical to provide its medical services through the LMC clinic at Shapi. It is a 3 months trial and if it goes well, it will be extended to other wards. It is a good agreement with the council which people will not need to go to the big hospital but access medical services in their wards,” said Town Clerk, Reynold Surmat.

Although the agreement was signed months ago, the trial is yet to begin due to a shortage of volunteer nurses. 

Keith Wilson, an Executive Committee member of Santo Medical, told VBTC News that they are waiting for confirmation from the next group of volunteers before commencing of trial.

“We don’t have enough nurses to send yet to the LMC clinic, but hopefully we will have volunteers ready for the municipal ward clinic,” said Mr. Wilson.

He added that the shortage of volunteers will not affect the agreement between Santo Medical and LMC.

“Based on the opportunities for volunteer nurses, the three-month trial must be fulfilled, and we hope volunteers will begin the trial soon,” said Mr. Wilson.

LMC currently operates 4 dispensaries across its wards, one in St. Mitchell, one in Sarakata, another at Shapi and one in Solway.