By Ron Rocky Coloma
The Australian Embassy has launched a major project to refurbish the Belau National Hospital in Palau to extend the facility's lifespan pending plans to build a new hospital.
The embassy has partnered with the Alexander & Lloyd Group on the project.
“Australia is responding to Palau’s priorities by supporting Palau to provide quality health services for its people,” said Richelle Turner, Australia’s first resident ambassador to Palau. “Prosperous communities rely on resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems that can meet current and future health challenges.”
The initial stages of planning began last week with the arrival of John Kornie, the team leader from Alexander & Lloyd Group, in Palau.
Kornie’s arrival marked the start of a detailed planning process aimed at identifying critical areas for refurbishment within the BNH.
The rest of the refurbishment team arrived on the Palau Paradise Express on Wednesday.
Australia’s support for Palau's healthcare infrastructure goes beyond the current refurbishment and planning phase.
The Australian Embassy said it is committed to maintaining a dialogue with the Palauan government to identify further areas for collaboration.
Officials said the partnership ensures that Palau’s healthcare infrastructure will continue to receive the necessary support to evolve and adapt to future challenges.
The initiative highlights the strong diplomatic relations between Australia and Palau, celebrating 30 years of cooperation across various sectors.
“Australia has been alongside Palau since its independence 30 years ago,” Turner said. “The depth and strength of our partnership stretch across climate change, health security, economic resilience and growth, security cooperation, human development as well as people and cultural links, media, sport and gender equality.”
Since Palau became a sovereign nation in October 1994, Australia has been a consistent ally, offering support in numerous areas, particularly healthcare.
For Australia, Turner said, the most rewarding aspect of its partnership with Palau is the opportunity to maintain a permanent diplomatic presence in the Pacific island country, with an embassy in downtown Koror.
“The hospitality and warmth extended by the government and people of Palau is humbling,” Turner said. “The opportunity to work with the government of Palau on regional and international issues of mutual interest and to explore opportunities to share expertise and experience are the most rewarding aspects of this partnership.”
With Australia’s support, Palau is touted to be well-positioned to meet its current healthcare needs while planning for a sustainable future.
Turner said this project strengthens the healthcare infrastructure and reinforces the bond between the two nations.
“The health of a country is intertwined with the health of its people,” Turner said. “To provide quality healthcare is an ongoing investment and one which Australia is prepared to support to ensure the prosperity of the region and its people.”
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Australia’s commitment to refurbishing the Belau National Hospital in Palau highlights the importance of providing quality healthcare to communities in need. This partnership not only ensures the current hospital continues to serve patients but also sets the foundation for future healthcare improvements in the region. While medical facilities are being updated, it’s essential to maintain personal wellness through other means as well. One way to support overall health is by exploring the benefits of Essiac tea. You can learn more about this herbal remedy at https://www.optimallyorganic.com/collections/essiac-tea-products where information is provided about its potential detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. Supporting local healthcare infrastructure, alongside adopting natural wellness practices, can foster a healthier, more resilient community for the future.