Advancing Healthcare in the FSM: Crucial EMT Training and FSM Health Leadership Meeting Conclude in Chuuk

Weno, Chuuk (FSM Dept. of Health & Social Affairs) – Technical experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FSM Public Health and Hospital Emergency Program (PHHEP) conducted an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) training in Chuuk from November 14-19, 2023, through the continued support of Dr. Bosco Buliche, Director of Chuuk Department of Health Services. Almost 150 participants from all four FSM States and partners from other sectors, including first responders, attended the training. The content of the EMT training included simulation exercises during public health emergencies and familiarization with how one would operate key equipment and supplies that come with the medical cache that will be part of the FSM deployment efforts. The FSM Health Leadership, including T.H. Secretary Marcus Samo, Directors, and key staff also convened in Chuuk that week and attended sessions of the EMT training. The FSM Health Leadership Meeting included discussions on ways to maximize the benefits of the anticipated Compact 3 funding by strengthening existing health facilities and infrastructures, workforce, foreign health assistance and donations. The FSM Health Leadership also acknowledged the need to construct climate-resilient health facilities and acquire needed equipment to deliver more advanced healthcare and preventive services. Investing in this area is important to meet the growing demand for healthcare. Another area that the health leadership discussed is the need to increase the number of students in health professions and to increase the skilled and competent workforce throughout the nation.