INDEPENDENT NEWS

More New Zealand medical specialists for Samoa

Published: Fri 13 Dec 2019 03:09 PM
Rt Hon Winston Peters
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs
13 December 2019
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further support for Samoa’s longer term needs as it continues to respond to a devastating measles epidemic.
“Samoa’s health system has experienced massive strain in the wake of the measles epidemic. The volume of patients needing care during this outbreak, and the number of very complex cases, has been unprecedented for Samoa,” Mr Peters said.
“New Zealand is committed to supporting Samoa through this crisis. Samoa’s health system and workers are facing exhaustion and while there are positive signs we may be beyond the peak of the epidemic, there is still a way to go yet.
“New Zealand medical specialists will travel to Samoa to work alongside Samoan colleagues and international partners, providing support where needed,” Mr Peters said.
The package includes:
· Samoan-speaking medical personnel and trauma support to health workers and impacted communities, through Pasifika Medical Association
· A Samoan-speaking biomedical engineer to support the installation and operation of new medical equipment provided by New Zealand and other donors
· Up to four anaesthetists on rotation to support Samoan surgical teams in the new year as they tackle the backlog of surgeries postponed during the epidemic
· Funding for a new oxygen generation plant for the national hospital
Mr Peters is currently in Samoa with Minister of Pacific Peoples, Hon Aupito William Sio.
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media