By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Dr. Stevenson Kuartei, Director of the Bureau of Public Health, has assured that it is the primary concern of the Ministry of Health to make sure there is a medical coverage in the Southern Community Health Center and said that BPH is in the process of addressing this issue.
The Center covers the States of Peleliu, Angaur, Sonsorol and Hatohobei.
The assurance was made following the concerns earlier voiced by Peleliu Delegate Jonathan Isechal about the lack of physician or nurse in Peleliu.
This after the departure of Dr. Ishmael Togamai, who left on Feb. 22 after years of giving medical services in Peleliu.
Kuartei, in response to Isechal’s asking for help, said that the BPH is currently reviewing various applications of people who are applying to work at the SCHS.
"We are careful to look at compatibility not only to the health care priorities there but also in terms of retention and sustainability," Kuartei told Isechal.
Kuartei said that during this time there is a regular schedule visit to Peleliu every Thursday by the BPH Outreach Team and will continue to do so until a better solution is found.
He said that this might include the assignment of a temporary provider there until a permanent one is found.
Kuartei also noted that in Angaur most of the long distance consultations could be done through telephone and for Sonsorol and Hatohobei, the Emergency Room is now equipped to speak directly with the islands via radio.
Kuartei’s assurance letter was copy furnished to Gov. Jackson Ngiraingas and Speaker of Peleliu, Gov. Horace Rafael and State Legislature President Joshua Lewis of Angaur, Del. Mario Guliber, Minister Victor Yano, Chief of Staff of the President Billy Kuartei, Acting Medical Director of SCHC Dr. Decherong, PH Nurse Supervisor Joaquina Ulengchong and PHC Administrator Ann Klass.