By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Health Minister Gafaar said Wednesday the ministry has hired eight nurses in the past two to three weeks and aims to employ at least 17 by year’s end.
The island nation has faced a nursing shortage in recent years due to resignations and departures. To address the issue, the ministry is developing a career ladder for nurses to improve retention and plans to continue hiring to maintain adequate staffing levels.
In response to concerns about a lack of orthopedic surgeons, Gafaar announced that Dr. June Rafael has received a scholarship to specialize in orthopedics. Additionally, longtime Palauan orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bhotu will return to work at the National Hospital.
The Olbiil Era Kelulau has provided funding to the Health Ministry to support nurse hiring. Several Palauan students have recently graduated with nursing degrees from the University of Hawaii, Palau Community College, and universities in Taiwan and the Philippines.