Health
New lab set to accelerate the early diagnosis of health conditions in Samoa
Apia, Samoa – 6 Oct 2023: A new state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory based in Motootua is set to reduce the turnaround time of critical medical results from four to six weeks to up to four days, reducing preventable deaths associated with sexual and reproductive health conditions.
Launched on the 4th of October 2023, the Samoa Diagnostic Medical Laboratory will provide timely screening, early diagnosis, and treatment for the population of Samoa, with a particular focus on women and underserved communities.
This facility was made possible through a partnership between the Australian Government’s Business Partnerships Platform, the Samoa Family Health Association and the Pacific Laboratory Specialists, with support from the Government of Samoa and the International Planned Parenthood Federation Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific.
Ms Soraya McGinley, the Third Secretary from the Australian High Commission, highlighted Australia’s commitment to working together with partner governments, local organisations and key stakeholders in Samoa and across the region to support healthcare initiatives that lifts communities, particularly women and girls.
“What underpins Australia’s support for initiatives such as this is our shared belief that everyone, no matter their background or circumstance, deserves to have access to quality and timely healthcare services,” said Ms. McGinley.
In his remarks to launch the new lab, Atoa Dr Glenn Fatupaito, the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health spoke on behalf of the Government of Samoa in highlighting how the new lab will contribute to the government’s work in delivering quality healthcare to the Samoan people.
“With the introduction of state-of-the-art Liquid Based Cytology diagnostic services, we are taking a significant leap forward in medical technology advancement that is not just about rapid turn-around times, more accurate diagnoses, but also in the process enabling clinicians to save lives,” said Atoa.
The services provided by the Samoa Diagnostics Medical Laboratory can be accessed by women and patrons at the Samoa Family Health Association office located at Motootua opposite the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.
