Palikir, Pohnpei –– On April 22, 2024, Vice President Palik attended and delivered opening remarks to kick-start the beginning of the week-long Health Summit. The Vice President began his remarks by first thanking Secretary Marcus Samo for his kind introduction and then began recognizing attendees in the audience such as Sen. Abello-Alfonso, the Heads of Delegations or their representatives such as Governor Joseph of Pohnpei State, Lt. Governor Nena of Kosrae State, Lt. Governor Itimai of Yap State, and Chief of Staff Kim of Chuuk State. He also recognized the presiding officers and senators from the respective state legislatures and special guests such as:
– Dr. Stuart Minchin – Director General (SPC)
– Honorable Minister Gaafar Uherbelau (PIHOA President)
– Mr. Matt Shorbus (WHO)
Vice President Palik went on by stating the three significant areas that have direct bearing on state and national governments to deliver quality health care services to the people.
1. The recent ratification of the Compact legislation extending Title II Economic and Financial assistance for the next twenty years. This has increased sector grant funding and continuation of many federal programs including in the health sector for sustained funding in the next twenty years.
2. A recent amendment in the FSM Constitution requiring 50% revenue-sharing of fishing fees to the States which provides additional source of funding for the health sector to help our people.
3. Support from development partners which allows us to anticipate financial assistance from our Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) program to continue and possibly increase. Health sector and water remain a priority under our ODA program. On that, Vice President Palik stated that ODA had to delay a meeting with development partners to allow for more time for the nation to reassess our health sector needs.
With these three events, Vice President Palik mentioned that they represent opportunity, hope, and optimism for our nation and our people. He also stated that he is cautiously optimistic because though this is a lot of money, our combined resources (financial, human, and technical resources) are not enough to address all critical needs in the States.
Vice President Palik continued with his speech by stating that the principles of Universal Health Coverage means that “all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. He also pointed out that universal health care is a human right and is connected to UNSDG goal #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages.”
The Vice President also alluded to the three main purposes and objectives to this summit and they are:
1. Review our progress and performance under the Health Framework approved in our last Health Summit in 2014.
2. Take stock and assess the current health situation in the FSM.
3. Update our strategic framework or plan for the Health Sector for the next ten years.
Taken together, a final Health Sector Plan with be incorporated into the national Strategic Development Plan (SDP) as a requirement of the new Amended Compact.
Vice President Palik further stated that as we shift our focus and attention to the implementation of the Health Sector Plan, the support and assistance of development partners such as WHO, SPC, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UN agencies, IOM, USAID, and many others will remain important and expressed his gratitude and appreciation to them and his high hopes for their continued support in our resolve to achieve “Universal Health Care and Better Health for All.”
The Vice President remarked that “we are not alone,” and went on to refer to governments around the globe struggling with health and health care for their people and the rising demand of care the world over. He made reference to the richest countries in the world which face such healthcare challenges and highlighted the predicament of many least developed countries who don’t have access to advanced medical care but do have access to routine preventive services and their population indicators are good.
Vice President Palik made specific reference to the healthcare situation in the FSM by stating that we face our own unique challenges in the health sector in terms of lack of human capacities, professionalism of health practitioners, technological advancements, and life-saving treatments needed to improve overall health care services. He also mentioned that the number of competent doctors and nurses remain woefully inadequate and made specific mention of the College of Micronesia which has been graduating new waves of nurses but the demand remains high. He urged that we “need to do more,” and we need to pay attention to statistics and trends in our population.
Vice President Palik then encouraged all to reach for newer heights and not settle for the state of current affairs, to treat health as an investment where each dollar spent should yield a higher worth, to invest in our people who are our greatest and most important asset. He also encouraged learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are the foundation of successful education in health and medical related fields. He also stressed his points by calling on Summit participants to take ownership of our healthcare system to achieve better health for our people and to help ourselves first, before looking outward for help.
The Vice President concluded his statement by stating the Simina-Palik Administration theme, “Unity is our Strength and Prosperity,” since taking office about a year ago. He indicated that this has been their guiding principle in spirit, mind and action. He ended by stating that both he and President Simina look forward to working with both State and National Government leaders and all stakeholders on the implementation of this Summit’s recommendations and action items.
