Peilapalap, Pohnpei: April 20, 2023 – Governor Oliver attended a grand re-opening ceremony at the Pohnpei State Hospital for the Pohnpei State Laboratory. The re-opening of the laboratory marks a significant milestone for the hospital and the people of Pohnpei as it ensures that patients receive timely and accurate diagnostic services.
Before touring the renovated laboratory, Governor Oliver joined the Director of the Department of Health Services, Mr. Wincener David, and Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick, representing the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs for a short ceremony in the Hospital Conference room. Mr. Herbert Johnny oversaw the short ceremony as the Master of Ceremonies.
In his remarks, Governor Oliver thanked the FSM National Government for their assistance with securing the grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through Mrs. Lisa Barrow-Kohler. He congratulated Director David and the laboratory staff on the renovation of the laboratory and emphasized the importance of maintenance of the laboratory, pointing out that taking care of small things, like daily maintenance and care, takes care of the bigger things. On behalf of the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Governor Oliver conveyed his appreciation for the care provided to the people of Pohnpei.
Assistant Secretary Pretrick and Director David also expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Lisa Barrow-Kohler for her help with writing and submitting the grant for funding the renovation. Assistant Secretary Pretrick expressed his thanks for CDC’s assistance with this grant and help to all the states during the recent pandemic.
After moving out and starting renovations in March 2022, the upgraded laboratory’s increased diagnostic capabilities will improve patient care and save lives, particularly in cases where timely diagnosis and treatment are essential.
The renovation and upgrade project was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity COVID supplement grant for infectious Diseases. The supplement called Enhancing Detection aims to improve laboratory systems.