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Speech by H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Vanuatu, on the Occasion of the Handing Over Ceremony for Project for the Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital, at 2.00 pm, on 12th June 2014, Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu ------H.E. Mr. Joe NATUMAN, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu,
Honourable Ham LINI, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Commerce, & Trade,
Honourable George WELLS, Minister of Health,
Honourable Ministers of the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu,
Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of International & Regional Organizations,
Chief Seni Mao Pirsupe, President of Vanuatu National Council of Chief / Malfatumauri
Director Generals of Government Ministries,
Pastor Shen Pema, Secretary, Vanuatu Christian Council
Officials of Ministry of Health and Representatives of Vila Central Hospital,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Afternoon.
H.E. Mr. Hanatani’s Speech Page 1 of 5 On behalf of the people and the Government of Japan, it is my honour to participate in the handing over ceremony for the project for the Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital this afternoon. I also convey my appreciation to the Government of Vanuatu for the kind hospitality accorded to me since my arrival here.
As this happens to be my first visit to Vanuatu, I must acknowledge that I am quite impressed with the beautiful and pristine nature of Vanuatu as well as the warmth of its people.
The project for the Redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital was formalised in Tokyo on 23rd May 2012, during the Sixth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 6), after our evaluation of the Government of Vanuatu’s proposed project on its vision for development of health services based on “Vanuatu Health Sector Strategy 2010-2016”.
I understand that the Government of Vanuatu has been striving to improve Vanuatu’s health services as the people of Vanuatu face a lot of difficulties in acquiring primary health care, resulting in rising maternal and infant mortality, which are among the major health care concerns here. Adding to the plight of the people there has been an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Vanuatu mainly due to changes in lifestyles and diet of the people which has been a common cause throughout the Pacific. Such rising challenges in the health sector not only burdens government resources but also strains health care professionals.
H.E. Mr. Hanatani’s Speech Page 2 of 5 Having said that, today indeed is a proud day for the people of Vanuatu as the handing-over of the Redeveloped Vila Central Hospital heralds a new era of improved health and medical services for all the eighty islands of Vanuatu. This auspicious occasion marks the commencement of the delivery of highly improved standards of medical services to the people of Vanuatu and the new facilities include the hospital’s Operation Theatre, the Radiology Department, the Emergency Department, the Outpatient Department and related buildings that are provided with the latest state-of-the-art medical equipment which combine to make Vila Central Hospital a formidable response to the country’s health care challenges as well as Vanuatu’s premier health and medical services provider.
At this juncture, I acknowledge the cooperation of all the stakeholders, namely, the Government of Vanuatu and respective agencies, the Japanese Implementation team, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese consultant Nihon Sekkei Incorporation, the contractors Dai Nippon Construction and NBK Corporation, as without their partnership this project would not have been possible. As we witness today, it has indeed been a rewarding partnership.
H.E. Mr. Hanatani’s Speech Page 3 of 5 Newly embarking upon my tenure as the Ambassador of Japan, I look forward to bringing a fresh momentum in strengthening friendship between Japan and Vanuatu, therefore, in reiterating the theme for the PALM 6 held in May, 2012 in Okinawa, “We are Islanders - For Growing 'Kizuna' (means strong bond in Japanese) in the Pacific”, I wish to emphasize that Japan coexists and shares the Pacific Ocean with Vanuatu and the Pacific Island Countries. Based on such common identity, it is imperative that we continue to harmoniously strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and address climate change and environmental issues towards seeking common solutions for our common concerns for the benefit of our people of the Pacific. In this regard, Japan regards Vanuatu not only as an important Pacific neighbour but also as an equally significant partner on the international stage.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the people and government of Vanuatu as well as everyone present here on the handing over newly redeveloped Vila Central Hospital. I also wish to urge concerned authorities that the onus is now on you for the necessary upkeep of the new facilities which is crucial for its longevity.
H.E. Mr. Hanatani’s Speech Page 4 of 5 In concluding my address, I am happy to say that the redeveloped Vila Central Hospital has certainly provided a huge impetus to the health and medical care sector in Vanuatu and in light of such an accomplishment, I wish to provide further words of inspiration to the doctors, nurses and health care professionals of Vila Central Hospital as well as the wider medical fraternity by sharing a befitting saying that states: People who are occupied in the care and restoration of health for fellow humans, by the joint exertion of skill and humanity, are above all, the great of the earth. They partake of such greatness, since to preserve and renew is almost as noble as to create.
Last but not the least, I am confident that the successful completion of the redevelopment of Vila Central Hospital will further strengthen the friendship between the people and governments of Japan and Vanuatu.
Thank you very much for your attention, Arigato Gozaimasu, and Tankiu Tumas.
The End.
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