By: Jasmine Netzler-Iose, Government Press.
The Government of Japan through its Embassy in Apia has handed over a Mobile Clinic worth over $1million tala to assist the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) bolster Samoa’s Public Health efforts.
Funded under Japan’s Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme, the mobile clinic was procured at a value of JPY58, 400.00 $1.1million tala including transportation and training.
In a handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Health headquarters at Motootua this morning, the vehicle was handed over to the Minister of Health Valasi Luapitofanua To’ogamaga Tafito Selesele by Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, His Excellency Ryotaro Suzuki.
The minister in his keynote address told the gathering that the donation is very crucial to the work of the ministry at the Tupua e Meaole (T.T.M.) Hospital in Apia as well at the district hospitals where doctors and technical health expertise are now based.
“This Mobile Clinic will greatly support Samoa’s focus on improving Public Health and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all as indicated in its Pathway for the Development of Samoa FY2021/22- FY2025/26,” he said.
On top of this said the minister the vehicle “…will significantly strengthen the health sector by increasing accessibility, improving preventive care, and promoting resilience in public health delivery, especially for isolated or underserved communities.”
The Government of Japan has been Samoa’s key partner for some years aiding in the country’s development.
According to Minister Valasi, this partnership and assistance from Japan has benefitted Samoa significantly since the establishment of this relationship particularly in the areas of; technical expertise; financial assistance; organisational and coordination support provided by Japan for several sectors of Government.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa I wish to thank the Government of Japan, for your commitment in assisting Samoa’s national efforts especially towards enhancing the work of the Health Sector.”
Photos: Leaso Faaifo Faaifo
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