The Ministry of Health (M.O.H) has opened its Ambulance Service Center and has received seven new Ambulances from the Government of Japan at a cost of more than $1 million tala.

The handover ceremony and opening of the 24-hour service center were held at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

In his address at the handover ceremony, the Health Minister, Valasi Tafito Selesele, acknowledged the assistance of the Government of Japan.

"Today we witness the official handover of seven ambulance vehicles funded under the Government of Japan Grassroots grant project assistance for measles and other infectious diseases," Valasi said.

"The vehicles which all together cost $1,235,000 Samoan tala will serve the main hospital here in Motootua, Malietoa Tanmafili II Hospital in Savaii and selected district hospitals in both Upolu and Savai'i."

Another milestone on the horizon, he said, is the official launch of the new Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital Ambulance Service Center.

"I am very happy to say that this building was constructed by our very own Ministry maintenance team and financially supported by the Government of Samoa budget," he said.

He then congratulated the M.O.H.s maintenance team for their construction work. 

"The new vehicles and this new building will greatly benefit the ambulance service profession and I urge that great care and maintenance be of utmost priority," he said.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Kazuo Tsukada, said that he understands the health sector faced inadequate supplies and equipment to combat the outbreak of measles in 2019 and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Therefore, Japan acknowledges the importance of proper equipment in the health sector and today’s occasion is the evident manifestation that Japan’s continuous support and firm commitment towards improving quality and quantity of medical equipment for effective health services," he said.

"I believe these equipment and patient transport vehicles will go a long way in providing a more adequate and quality health service in times of medical emergencies. 

"I also hope that our support contributes to reducing the burden of health workers who have been dedicating themselves to protecting the society from COVID-19 for over an extended period of time."

He is confident that this project will contribute to the wellbeing of the People of Samoa and to promote basic human needs.