Overview:
Plans to relocate Belau National Hospital are gaining momentum as President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and a U.S.-backed delegation assess potential sites across Palau, aiming to build a safer, climate-resilient facility equipped for modern healthcare needs.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — “Relocating Belau National Hospital is a top priority for this Administration because we need a safer, more modern facility that is protected from flooding and climate risks,” the Office of the President said in a statement, as a national delegation toured potential sites for a new hospital.
President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., joined by architects from Architects Hawaii Ltd., visited multiple locations across Palau as part of an ongoing feasibility study funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
The delegation, accompanied by MPII Minister Charles Obichang and CIP Manager Lee Otobed, began its tour in Ngatpang, where officials reviewed a proposed site on public land offered by the state government.
The group then traveled to Airai, hiking about three miles uphill to assess a second site identified by the Airai State Government.
Later, the delegation visited Koror, where three additional areas have been formally offered for consideration.
According to the Office of the President, the feasibility study is evaluating public lands submitted by the state governments of Airai, Koror and Ngatpang to determine the most suitable location and move the project from planning to construction as quickly as possible.
Relocating the hospital has become a priority due to the vulnerability of the current facility, which was built in 1993 with funding support from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The hospital has experienced flooding during storms, forcing officials to evacuate patients to higher ground on at least two occasions.
Officials said the project also reinforces the U.S.-Palau partnership by modernizing health infrastructure and expanding services for local veterans.