A $2.8 million project to renovate the Primary Health Care Facility at Motootua was officially opened yesterday. 

The facility is located on a distinctive piece of land; a New Zealand-constructed premise in the 1970s that has served as the Maternity Ward for years.

Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, said the opening of the project is a major milestone for the health sector.

 “It has been a long journey but I am satisfied that the official opening of the primary health care centre also marks the completion of another notable milestone for Samoa’s health sector,” he said.

“This is the government of Samoa’s initiative designed in line with other important national development efforts and of course planning for the next fifty years.”

Funding for the renovation came from the Health S.W.A.P project which is a partnership between the World Bank, government of Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

“The works include Block A, for services such as STI’s HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Immunization or EBI and nutrition.

“Block B will house Blood Bank and Block C will provide the alternative care, community outreach as well as recreational area for children.

“The completion of the renovation of this building further enhances the health sector plan outcome strategy to improve health systems, governance and administration.”

The Minister said the overall goal is to improve the delivery of health services for the people of Samoa.

 “The design and the renovation work of the project aims to ensure that the primary health care model is continuously strengthened and that the clinics therein will be appropriate with a fully committed staff.”

He emphasised the importance of having committed health care service providers to run the place.

 “Having the primary health care located here will extend that phenomenal aspect and it is important for all personnel that will serve from this building to reflect on that and provide the same kind of service,” he said.

“I thank the Diamond Heads Design and Build Company Ltd who was selected to carry out the renovation work.

“Our gratitude also to the PJP Consultancy who undertook the supervision and facilitated the completion of the construction works during the project.”