Majuro, Marshall Islands – On Friday, January 17th, 2025 the Ministry of Health and Human Services celebrated the significant contributions from the Government of India in support of the Republic of the Marshall Islands' healthcare system. In a ceremony held at the ministry, the Government of India formally handed over three portable hemodialysis machines to enhance the RMI's capabilities in treating chronic kidney disease.
The event was attended by a number of government officials who expressed their support for this important initiative, including officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Government of the Marshall Islands. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure and the well-being of the people of the Marshall Islands.
The event also marked a milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, with the anticipated sea ambulance from the Government of India being highlighted as an important addition to the nation's healthcare infrastructure. While still in the planning stages, the sea ambulance promises to play a critical role in improving access to medical care for remote and isolated communities across the islands.
Hon. Ota Kisino, Minister of Health and Human Services, expressed his gratitude to the Indian Government for its continued support and commitment to the health of the people of the Marshall Islands. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of India for these life-saving dialysis machines, which will have an immediate and positive impact on those suffering from kidney disease. This partnership also extends to the future arrival of the sea ambulance, which will allow us to provide urgent care more effectively across our vast ocean,” said Minister Kisino.
The ceremony also included remarks from key dignitaries, including Mr. Himanshu Sagar, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, who reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing the healthcare capabilities of the RMI. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was also recognized for its essential role in facilitating these critical partnerships.
Special recognition was given to Mrs. Ramona Levy Strauss, Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, for her tireless advocacy and efforts to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the RMI and India.
The three hemodialysis machines are a significant step toward achieving the Ministry’s goal of providing essential healthcare services at home, where patients can receive treatment surrounded by their families and loved ones. This vital support not only alleviates the travel burden for those requiring dialysis, but also helps keep patients within their communities, reducing the emotional and financial toll that comes with seeking medical care abroad. By bringing these life-saving treatments closer to home, we address one of the root causes of outmigration—access to healthcare services. Our commitment is to ensure that all Marshallese people, no matter where they live, can receive the care they need, when they need it, without having to leave their families or their home country. These machines are a key part of our broader effort to expand healthcare access, ensuring that critical treatments are available where they are needed most—right here, at home, in our islands.
The sea ambulance is set to further improve the RMI's emergency medical response capabilities. Once operational, it will be equipped to respond to urgent healthcare needs in outer islands and provide transportation for patients in critical condition, ensuring faster medical interventions.
This partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Government of India marks a significant step forward in the continued strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, promoting better health outcomes, and improving the quality of life for the people of the Marshall Islands.
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