Delivering comprehensive healthcare for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)

Background

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was established in July 2003 at the request of the Solomon Islands Government. It brought together fifteen Pacific nations in a partnership to restore stability and support recovery after years of unrest. The Australian Government contributed military, policing and aid services, with Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed on the ground.

Approach

In 2004, Aspen Medical was contracted to provide comprehensive medical, dental and environmental health services for RAMSI personnel and other Australian Government staff. To meet this need, we established a fully equipped hospital at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR), a military-style base. The facility comprised four buildings, including a 10-bed ward, pharmacy, dental clinic, pathology services, resuscitation bays, environmental health, administration offices and storage.

Our capability extended beyond the fixed hospital. We deployed a mobile surgical unit with radiology, an operating theatre and an intensive care/recovery area. Aero-medical evacuation services were also provided across the islands and back to Australia, ensuring rapid response to emergencies in a remote, resource-limited environment.

Results

Despite operating in challenging and under-resourced conditions, Aspen Medical delivered high-quality, comprehensive services. The facility became a trusted source of healthcare for RAMSI personnel, integrating primary care, emergency response, surgery, pathology and dental care. Our medical evacuation capability provided critical support, enabling safe and efficient transfers for patients requiring higher-level treatment.

Outcome

Over 13 years of operation, Aspen Medical contributed to the overall success of RAMSI by ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of deployed personnel. The mission concluded on 30 June 2017 with Solomon Islands on a stable path to recovery. Feedback from stakeholders highlighted the value of our contribution: