Medical outreach initiative supports healthcare access on Kolombangara Island

About

Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL), a portfolio company of the New Forests Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2, recently supported a community healthcare initiative on Kolombangara Island in partnership with Karuna Medical International, a Singapore based volunteer organisation. The initiative brought together local healthcare workers, community members, KFPL employees and medical volunteers to improve access to healthcare services in remote communities.

Key Initiatives

In May 2026, KFPL partnered with Karuna Medical International to deliver support in medical outreach across Kolombangara Island. Over 3.5 days, a team of volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff from Singapore worked alongside local healthcare professionals and volunteers to deliver health screening, medical consultations, minor procedures and follow-up care to underserved communities.
This initiative also aimed to share essential knowledge with local healthcare staff to support care and strengthen long-term healthcare outcomes on the island.
As part of KFPL’s ongoing commitment to community wellbeing, the company also invested in healthcare infrastructure improvements through the renovation of both a company-owned clinic and a government clinic servicing local communities.

Impact

The initiative improved access to healthcare for remote communities on Kolombangara Island through the delivery of direct medical care and collaborative clinical support.
A total of 691 patients received treatment during the mission, including 41 minor procedures.
In addition to the direct medical outreach, renovations to healthcare facilities are expected to support improved service delivery and patient care outcomes for local communities over the long term.
The outreach program also strengthened KFPL’s relationships with local communities, highlighting the broader role of long-term forestry investments in supporting community wellbeing.

Quotes

“This mission reflects KFPL’s commitment to community wellbeing – combining direct outreach with longer-term improvements like clinic renovations. We’re proud to support such an initiative.”
(Edwin Schramm, General Manager, Kolombangara Forest Products Limited)

“At New Forests, we look beyond financial performance to the real-world impact our assets can deliver. KFPL’s collaboration with Karuna Medical International shows how active stewardship and strong partnership can expand healthcare access for communities we operate in.”
(Francis Tan, Regional Director, Asset Management, New Forests)

“We are pleased to partner with KFPL and the local team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers. Together, we provided care to many people on the island and made a meaningful difference in their lives. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and supporting more communities across the Solomon Islands.”
(Dr Fong Poh Him, Lead, Karuna Medical International Society of Singapore)