Overview:
Palau is moving into the next phase of its national hospital relocation project after President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed an executive order creating a new steering committee focused on implementation, design and site selection.
Executive order shifts project from planning phase to implementation oversight
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — Surangel Whipps Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 503 creating a new steering committee to oversee the next phase of the Belau National Hospital relocation project.
The May 13 order dissolves the previous relocation committee formed in 2021 and replaces it with a smaller body tasked with moving the project from feasibility studies into implementation.
According to the order, the former committee completed its work and submitted a final report recommending the creation of a new steering committee to manage planning, design coordination and execution of the relocation project.
The new committee will review findings from the Belau National Hospital Relocation Feasibility Study and recommend the most suitable hospital site and facility design. Officials said the review will consider accessibility, emergency access and environmental resilience.
Committee members will include medical professionals, a pharmacist, a public health official, a human resources professional, an engineer and private-sector tourism representatives. The minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries, the president’s special adviser on Health and Human Services and the president’s chief of staff will serve as ex officio members.
The committee must hold its first meeting within 15 days and meet at least once a month afterward. Members will serve without pay, with administrative support provided by the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
The chairperson is required to submit the first report to the president by Dec. 1, 2026.
Officials said the new steering committee is intended to preserve institutional knowledge from the earlier committee while expanding oversight of the project’s logistical, financial and technical components.
The relocation project aims to identify a sustainable and climate-resilient site and design for the Belau National Hospital to address long-term healthcare and infrastructure needs.