Author: Einstein Roby

Secretary Marcus Samo, Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick and Chuuk State health leadership Chuuk Health Services Director Dr. Bosco Buliche, Chuuk Health Chief of Staff Dr. Yoster Yichiro, and Chuck Health OBGYN Dr. Rita Akapito held a virtual meeting with the Republic of Philippines Department of Health representatives. The meeting was a start of strengthening health services coordination and collaboration amongst the two countries where FSM will receive a medical mission team in Chuuk, FSM to support and augment current health capabilities of the State. FSM DHSA is working closely with Chuuk State Health Services to coordinate, support and ensure that this great opportunity is fully utilized. The department hopes that this is just the start of greater collaboration opportunities to come and looks forward to receiving the medical team.

Ambassador Shri Shambhu S. Kumaran, representing the India Embassy in India, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Mr. Marcus Samo, Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA). The meeting centered around several key topics aimed at enhancing healthcare services in FSM. Discussions included pharmaceutical providers, diagnostics, and dialysis services, as well as the establishment of a sea ambulance system and the referral of patients to India for specialized care.

The meeting concluded on a positive note with both parties expressing optimism about the potential collaboration in these areas. There is a shared hope for further discussions and exploration of these topics in the future, indicating a promising avenue for advancing healthcare cooperation between India and FSM.

The Hon. Marcus H. Samo handed the key to the Marine Ambulance to the Honorable Alexander R. Narruhn of Chuuk State

February 15, 2024 – After a few days of technical training to staff of Chuuk State Department of Health Services on the operation and maintenance of the marine ambulance, the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, on behalf of the FSM National Government, handed over the key to a medical marine ambulance to the Honorable Alexander R. Narruhn, Governor of Chuuk State on behalf of HE President Wesley W. Simina.

In handing over the key, Secretary Marcus Samo congratulated Governor Narruhn for his vision to extend medical services to the people residing far from Weno where the hospital and public health clinics are concentrated.  The marine ambulance is a means to provide medical care to the communities within the lagoon.  With its design and capacity, the marine ambulance can transport emergency medical teams in response to urgent need.  Governor Narruhn expressed appreciation to the FSM National Government for its support for Chuuk’s effort in emergency and medical response.  Governor Narruhun also indicated he wished there will be more of this type of marine ambulance or even medical ships that can reach the islands outside the lagoon of Chuuk State.

The FSM National Government acknowledged the World Bank for the funding support and the UNOPS for the procurement assistance of the marine ambulance.