Japan’s $1.14m injection to dental care

25 February 2018, 12:00AM

The latest contribution to the promotion of the Economic and Social Development of Samoa was presented in the form of dental equipment from Japan through a handover ceremony at the dental clinic of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (T.T.M.) Hospital. 

The equipment valued at $1.14m were procured through the assistance of Japan International Cooperation System (J.I.C.S.) in collaboration with the Government and supported by the Japanese Supplementary Budget. 

The project was made possible through Japan’s grant aid assistance scheme for the Economic and Social Development Programme for the fiscal year 2015, which was signed in April 2016, between Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and former Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta.

The deal promised a grant of US$1.9m in implementing two projects requested at the time; 2 fire fighting vehicles for Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) and medical-dental equipment for the National Health Services (NHS). 

 A total variety of 46 essential dental equipment were all manufactured and sourced directly from Japan consisting of dental chairs, dental surgery units, dental lab equipment set, dental x-ray machines etc. 

In addition, N.H.S. will also receive a dental mobile vehicle in August this year, provided under the same project for their outreach programmes as well as improving oral healthcare within rural areas as well as in various schools. 

The donated dental equipment will alleviate the equipment shortage and help improve health services in the dental clinic of T.T.M. Hospital. 

Ambassador Maugaoleatuolo said: “Health, closely related to people’s welfare is on top agenda of the Japan-Samoa relations. Through Japan’s Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme, the Government of Japan has and will continue to promote the health and well-being of the Samoan people.”

25 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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