Delegates attending the Pacific Heads of Health Meeting, currently underway in Apia, visited the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital to firsthand experience the developments and advancements in key departments of Samoa’s National Hospital. The tour of the hospital included visits to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, Ophthalmology (Eye) Department, Biomedical Engineering Department, and the new Oxygen Plant.
Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Ministry of Health’s Director General and Chair of the Pacific Heads of Health Meeting, stated that although discussions at the meeting are progressing well, it is essential for the delegates to firsthand experience the work happening at the hospital. The ENT department boasts audiology capabilities as well as mobile audiology trailers that support community outreach, according to a release from the ministry. Thanks to the Australian Awards Funding scholarship for Masters of Audiology studies, the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital will soon welcome its first Samoan audiologist.
“Samoan health workers are continuously part of capacity development opportunities offered through regional partners and donors, and we look forward to this ongoing support,” says Aiono.
SPC Hands Over Equipment
During the visitation of the Biomedical Engineering Department, the Pacific Community (SPC) officially handed over medical equipment and laptops, made possible with funding support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), according to the Director General. “We have a young biomedical and engineering team, and we are witnessing more women take up roles in this field, which is usually dominated by men. We are part of the Pacific Biomedical Engineering Network, and we acknowledge SPC and DFAT for this continuous support.”
New Oxygen Plant by WHO
The handover of the new oxygen plant, made possible by the World Health Organisation (WHO), officially took place. According to Aiono, the plant will significantly enhance our ability to support patients, especially during disease outbreaks.
The 15th annual Pacific Heads of Health Meeting concludes tomorrow with key recommendations progressed to the next Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2025.
Authored by Jasmine Netzler-Iose
