$2million injection for health

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 February 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa’s health sector has just received a major helping hand.

This is thanks to China who donated up to $2 million worth of medical equipment to the Ministry of Health yesterday.

The Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng met with the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri and top Samoan medical professionals to officially handover the medical equipment.  

The donation included one portable x-ray machine, an x ray machine, one colour full digital ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, one full automatic biochemistry analyzer and three boxes of lead protective clothing.

The donation is in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) between the Huizhou Municipal Peoples Government and the Ministry of Health dating back to November 2015.  

Tuitama graciously thanked Mr. Xuefeng for continuing to support the health sector by donating vital medical equipment. 

 “These essential diagnostic medical equipment and protective clothing which is a total amount of $987,119 USD will greatly assist Samoa’s healthcare service providers in improving healthcare services to our people,” he said.  

“We acknowledge the Memorandum of Understanding and agreement that was signed in November 2015 between Samoa and the Huizhou Central Peoples Hospital in Guangdong   and will promote health cooperation and share medical achievements between our countries.”

“I wish to note that this is the second lot of medical equipment and supplies received under the M.O.U. with the Huizhou Peoples' Hospital. We are deeply grateful for these contributions to assist us in our goals to continuously improve the health status of our people . These kind of donations will go a long way to assist with diagnosing illnesses  and will save  a lot of time which is a crucial element in saving people’s lives. 

“This is not the first time China has come on board to assist with the medical development of Samoa.  China assisted with the building of the Tupua Tamasese  Meaole Hospital and donated medical equipment during its grand opening.  

 They have sent 14 medical groups and the 15th will be arriving soon in the span of almost 30 years.  China has also provided medical training for 30 local doctors to be trained at top facilities in China.  

Four Samoan doctors have already been deployed to China to receive training on how to properly  use these equipments to maximize their usage in hospitals. 

The four doctors will be returning at the end of the month equipped with the knowledge that will benefit us all greatly. 

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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