PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
NAURU HEALTH MINISTER MEETS WITH PHILIPPINE OFFICIALS, EXPRESSES DESIRE TO HIRE "BEST IN THE WORLD" PH HEALTH WORKERS
11 May 2023, CANBERRA – First Secretary and Consul General Aian Caringal of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra met with Nauru Minister for Health Hon. Timothy Ika and Secretary for Health Ms. Greta Harris on 2 May 2023 in Nauru.
Both sides discussed health cooperation between the two countries. Minister Ika and Secretary Harris gave an overview of Nauru’s health sector and operations. They also expressed high regard for Filipino health workers and their desire to hire Philippine doctors and nurses whom they praised as best in the world. Consul General Caringal thanked Minister Ika for the generous recognition of Philippine health workers and noted that the Philippine health professionals are indeed well-known for their expertise, work ethic, and caring attitude to patients.
After the meeting, Consul General Caringal was given a tour of the Republic of Nauru Hospital (RONH) and Nauru’s Public Health Services Compound by Nauru’s Deputy Secretary of Health Andy O’Connell and RONH officials. The RONH officials included the Human Resources Dir. Giedo Garabwan, Operations Dir. Dominic Cain, Nursing Unit Dir. Susana Nakalevu, and the Director for the Medical Services unit.
The Philippine government provided US$ 10,000 assistance for Nauru’s COVID-19 management program after Nauru had a COVID-19 outbreak in the 2nd half of 2022.
The meetings were held in conjunction with the Philippine Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals mapping mission in Nauru and its first mobile passport mission there since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. There are an estimated 60-100 members of the Filipino community in Nauru.
Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Canberra OIC Oscar David and the Embassy’s Assistance to Nationals Officer Remedios Alcazar accompanied Mr. Caringal to the meetings. The Philippines and Nauru celebrated the 55th year of diplomatic relations in January 2023. -END-
