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KOROR (Pacific Islands Times) – The Australian Embassy has embarked on a major project to renovate the Palau National Hospital to extend its life while plans for a new hospital are awaited.
The embassy has partnered with Alexander & Lloyd Group for the project.
Richelle Turner, Australia’s first ambassador to Palau, said: “Australia is responding to Palau’s priorities by supporting Palau in providing quality health services to its people. Thriving communities depend on resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems that can meet current and future health challenges.”
The initial phase of planning began last week when John Coney, team leader for the Alexander Lloyd Group, arrived in Palau.
Konecranes’ arrival marked the beginning of a detailed planning process to identify key areas within BNH that required renovation.
The rest of the renovation team arrived on Wednesday aboard the Palau Paradise Express.
Australia’s support for Palau’s health infrastructure is not limited to the current refurbishment and planning phase.
The Australian Embassy said it was committed to maintaining a dialogue with the Palau government to identify further areas of collaboration.
Officials said the collaboration ensures Palau’s healthcare infrastructure will continue to receive the necessary support to grow and adapt to future challenges.
The initiative highlights the strong diplomatic relationship between Australia and Palau, celebrating 30 years of cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
“Australia has stood shoulder to shoulder with Palau since its independence 30 years ago. The depth and strength of our partnership spans climate change, health security, economic resilience and growth, security cooperation, human development and people-to-people links, media, sport and gender equality,” Turner said.
Australia has been a staunch ally of Palau since it became a sovereign nation in October 1994 and has provided support in many areas, particularly healthcare.
Mr Turner said the most valuable aspect of Australia’s partnership with Palau was the ability to maintain a permanent diplomatic presence in the Pacific island nation, with an embassy in the heart of Koror.
“The hospitality of the government and people of Palau has been touching,” Turner said. “The opportunity to work with the government of Palau on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and to explore opportunities to share expertise and experience, has been the most valuable aspect of this collaboration.”
With Australia’s support, Palau will be well positioned to meet its current healthcare needs while planning for a sustainable future.
Turner said the project strengthens healthcare infrastructure and enhances ties between the two countries.
“The health of a nation is inextricably linked to the health of its people. Providing quality health services is an ongoing investment and Australia is willing to provide support to ensure the prosperity of the region and its people,” Turner said. …PACNEWS
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