Vanuatu’s main health facility, the Vila Central Hospital (VCH), is about to undergo vital renovations to improve health services for thousands of people.
Minister of Health, Jerome Ludvaune and Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, officially launched the works during a ceremony yesterday at the VCH.
The rehabilitation work will include repairs to the laboratory and x-ray building –used for pathology and mammogram services – and improvements to the operating theatre, which includes two theatre rooms and a storeroom. Its close proximity to the maternity ward will facilitate the safer delivery of high-risk births and will increase the surgical capacity of the hospital and enhance services for women.
Radio Vanuatu reports the morgue, that was upgraded recently, will have additional roofing to increase its capacity. Finally, all original hospital buildings will be rewired to remove exposed cabling and ensure waterproofing.
“The VCH provides vital health care to thousands of Ni-Vanuatu every year and Australia is pleased to be able to support the Vanuatu Government’s improvements to the facility,” said Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin.
Australia has provided AU$35 million recovery package to the Government of Vanuatu to recover from Tropical Cyclone Pam, and we are working together to build back damaged infrastructure and make it more resistant to natural disasters. Already most of Vanuatu’s essential sectors – education, health, tourism, infrastructure and agriculture - are benefiting with the reconstruction of schools, health facilities, tourism services and public buildings and the launching of a tourism marketing campaign and the planting of new climate resilient crops.”
Many of these projects are helping grow Vanuatu’s economy, providing job opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu and offering opportunities to improve skills, promote gender equality and disability inclusive workplaces.
Photo supplied: Minister of Health, Jerome Ludvaune, Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, Australian High Commission’s First Secretary, Jed Abad, Director-General (Health), George Taleo, and VCH Superintendent, Dr Santos, officially launch the works of the renovation of VCH.