Apia, Samoa. The National University of Samoa celebrated the official launch of its’ first on-campus Health Clinic, held last week at Lepapaigalagala.
Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma, the Vice Chancellor of NUS highlighted that the principal objective of establishing the clinic is to integrate theory and practice while providing health care services to support students and staff members.
“More importantly, the proximity to students and staff members, not to mention, the convenience for our in-house patients when the need arises,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“The National University is dedicated to providing the services that our patients want where they need them most,” added Professor Aiono.
The clinic is a response to a need identified by the NUS, to fulfill students’ healthcare needs, said Aiono.
“This effort aligns with the University’s aim to enhance healthcare outcomes and mainstream COVID-19 health protection by ensuring that the service is available on campus,” he said. “This is by integrating our medical teaching with a clinic that services both theory and practice for our graduate students”.
The University has hired an overseas nurse and a local doctor to meet the clinic’s personnel needs, and assure the best quality service is provided for the general health of our students, says Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma.
Acting Head of School of Medicine, Dr. Rosanna Tofaeono P. Feleti said the Covid-19 pandemic has intensified the urge to establish a clinic.
“To launch this service on campus will ensure that the University is prepared to manage the flux of students’ health and protection as they return to campus for face-to-face lectures when the borders are opened”, added Dr. Rosanna Tofaeono P. Feleti.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Sala Matasesa says the clinic will also engage in conducting various health awareness programs to inform and educate students on healthcare information they required.
NUS Pro-Chancellor, Letuimanu’asina Dr. Emma Kruse Vaai emphasised the need for students to access this important service.
“This is a great achievement for the University, in which our students have access to a quality health clinic that caters as an important building block to improve our community’s health and serve as a valuable resource.”
The new clinic is located at House #3 on the main Lepapaigalagala campus in Vaivase.
It is free of charge to students and University Staff only at the moment.
The Clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm on a walk-in basis, and the patients can also call in to book an appointment.
In addition to that, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Sala Matasesa claimed that “the clinic will also
engage in conducting various health awareness programs to inform and educate our students with the health
care information they required.”
Finally, the Pro-Chancellor, Emma Kruse Vaai emphasized that, “This is a great achievement for the University, in
which our students have access to a quality health clinic that caters as an important building block to improve our community’s health and serve as a valuable resource.”
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