PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 26,
1997 – President Jacob Nena, on October 27, 1997, informed
Governor of Kosrae Moses Mackwelung that he is turning over to Kosrae
State Government the responsibilities and control over an ultra-sound
machine.
The machine will be used in hospitals for scanning fetus in
pregnant women’s womb, among other uses, was recently donated to the
FSM Government by the Government of Japan. It is estimated to cost
between $35,000 to $40,000 a Health Services official said.
Presently, only Pohnpei Hospital has an ultra-sound machine and
there is need for another one to take care of the present demand
level. Chuuk Hospital had one but it was broken and has not been
repaired nor replaced. Yap Hospital does not have one yet.
Ultra-sound machine also has other uses. It can be used to detect
other internal disorders in the abdomen, a health official said.
With the annual population growth rate of 2.0 to 2.5 percent in
the FSM can be translated into around 100 births a month in Pohnpei;
130-150 in Chuuk and between 60 and 80 births a month for each Kosrae
and Yap, an official of FSM Health Services Department (said), adding
that it shows there is a justifiable cause for each State to purchase
its own machine for the benefit of its citizens.
In granting Kosrae State this equipment, Nena added that Kosrae
State Government is obligated to ensure that the equipment is
installed and supplies be maintained properly and effectively for the
execution of the project.
Nena added that all expenses not covered by the grant are to be
borne by the State of Kosrae. Also the State must advise the FSM
National Government of any proposed changes in the use of the project
components, Nena concluded.
