Group photo from left Director of Nursing Helen Marau, PS Isabel Provincial Government, Mr John Mark Lokumana, Isabel Premier Hon. Leslie Kikolo, PS Health Mrs Pauline McNeil, Isabel Health Director Dr Tony Quity and MHMS Director Policy and Planning Ivan Ghemu.
Health Permanent Secretary Pays Courtesy Visit to Isabel’s Premier and Provincial Secretary.
Courtesy visits to provincial governments when deployed to the province for official duties have always been part and parcel of the Ministry of Health’s Senior Executive Management (SEM) members program when on official provincial duties.
With the presence of health facilities, workers, programs and projects across all provinces, mobilizing support from provincial governments is also key towards achieving key health outcomes for the people.
Monday this week, the Ministry of Health was very pleased and grateful for the support confirmed by the Premier of Isabel Province, Hon. Leslie Kikolo towards the current efforts in rolling out COVID-19 vaccines in Isabel Province.
At the courtesy meeting, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil, briefed the Premier Kikolo and his Permanent Secretary the purpose of the visit to the province which was to support the provincial health team with launch of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out program as well as on the challenges that exists.
MHMS PS Mrs Pauline McNeil ( Left Centre) conversing with Premier Hon. Leslie Kikolo (far right) at the courtesy visit today morning.
“Premier it is an honour to visit your province but more importantly to be part of the launch program of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out in Isabel Province. After the launch today in Buala, Isabel province will be the 7th province to launch and commence the roll out program. Thus we are very pleased to be here”,
“Premier allow me also highlight that there will be challenges ahead more especially with timely coverage of around 21,000 people in your province that are eligible to receive the vaccines. As such, Health is working hard to deploy logistics, manpower and improvise on current roll out plan for efficient and effective roll out of the vaccines. This timely achievement of vaccinating all eligible persons will also depend on the support from your government and also the churches and chiefs”, highlighted Mrs McNeil.
In response, Premer Kikolo, thanked the Permanent Secretary, for choosing to be part of the COVID-19 vaccine launch program in Isabel.
“It has truly been a while since we’ve last had a permanent secretary of health visiting our province, let alone our health facilities, workers and providing support in such important event. As such, your presence today here with us, is a true testament of the Ministry’s commitment and dedication towards the health of the people of Isabel”,
“Let me assure you, that my government is also committed towards the roll out of the vaccines including the other heads of the tri-system of governance of the province, churches and chiefs. Last week we have issued an email calling on all other provincial government ministers to render logistical support towards your health team whenever there is need.
The premier also assured of advocating for the vaccines and encouraging people to come forward to get vaccinated.
“Permanent Secretary to show our support towards the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines, may I confirm to you I will be amongst the three of us, heads of the tri-system of governance to receive the vaccine at the launch”.
The courtesy call ended with handshakes, smiles and sense of revived commitment between the Ministry of Health and the Isabel Provincial Government for the betterment of the health of the people of Isabel Province.
-MHMS Press