On Friday, October 14, 2022, Governor Oliver joined H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), T.H. Esmond Moses, Vice Speaker of the 22nd FSM Congress, T.H. Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and his Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte to open the new medical wing of the Pohnpei State Hospital.
Funded by the FSM National Government and the Asian Development Bank, the new medical wing, increases the 91-bed capacity of the Pohnpei State Hospital with an additional 16 beds. The new private rooms are air-conditioned, comfortable, and spacious, with their own bathrooms, and furnished with couches, mini refrigerators, and flat-screen televisions. Each room is also connected to the Hospital’s electronic medical records system, there is a Nurse’s station, and the medical wing has its own backup generator.
In his welcoming remarks on behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver conveyed his gratitude to the traditional leadership of Nett for the use of the land, he thanked President Panuelo and the FSM Congress for their support to fund this project, which also came from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Governor Oliver thanked the Speaker and members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support, also to Director Wincener David and the staff of the Pohnpei State Hospital. He also expressed gratitude to the contractor, Black Sand Construction, for constructing such a beautiful structure. Governor Oliver concluded his remarks by explaining that while these are private rooms, they are not for one group of people over another. They are not just for Pohnpei or FSM residents, but for everyone who requires medical treatment and hospitalization at Pohnpei State Hospital.
The “key” to the new hospital wing, was turned over to Governor Oliver by President Panuelo. Governor Oliver turned over the key to the Director of Health Services, Wincener David.
Both H.E. David W. Panuelo and His Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett delivered remarks and the First Lady of FSM and Pohnpei cut the ribbon to officially open the new hospital wing