Category: News

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.

Potential Health Impact from the El Nino

 

Some parts of the Nation are experiencing a drought and abnormally dry condition. This is expected to expand to all over Micronesia and extend towards the month of April of this year and potentially towards the early part of this summer. The impacts of the drought conditions will bring harmful health impacts among other issues to our communities especially in the outer islands and among the most vulnerable populations including people with compromised health conditions, the elderly and children with special health care needs. The human health implications of a drought generally include the following:

• Compromised quantity and quality of drinking water;
• Diminished living conditions related to sanitation and hygiene;
• Compromised food and nutrition;
• Infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and other water and vector borne diseases.

The public is advised to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect you and your loved ones.

Thank you.

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