Patients at the national hospital in Moto’otua's can expect faster test results with the new laboratory officially opening its doors on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Health also welcomed three new vehicles from UNICEF to boost their immunisation programme.

The old lab located inside the hospital had to be closed because of the stench from the leaking sewerage. It was proving to be an unsafe working environment. The new lab is where the old pediatric ward used to be.

The Minister for Health Valasi Tafito Selesele said the new lab cost more than $100,000 and more lab technicians to make work faster and easier for doctors to treat patients.

The three vans were formally turned over by UNICEF to the ministry to support the implementation of the Essential Programme on Immunisation (EPI). 

“Over the past three years, the immunisation programme has advanced by thirty per cent, and the Ministry of Health has successfully introduced improved vaccines to safeguard our children against cervical cancer, pneumonia, and diarrhoea,” said Valasi.

“Additionally, we have managed to maintain a high level of childhood vaccination coverage." 

Valasi expressed gratitude to the EPI team for the accomplishments in the immunisation campaign.

“To support their EPI materials in the immunisations in the villages and schools, TTM Hospital, Leulumoega District Hospital, and Malietoa Tanumafili II Tuasivi District Hospital will greatly benefit from the three vehicles," he said.

“The vehicles will help improve communication among the general public and give these hospitals more flexibility in their outreach initiatives. 

"We value UNICEF's technical assistance in bolstering our health system. My heartfelt grieving to the UNICEF team and country during this joyous time, and best wishes for more fruitful collaborations in the coming year."

The three vans that were given to the Ministry of Health cost $200,000, according to UNICEF.