d.
Location of “Health Centers"
The present location of clinics is given on the maps found in Appendix
M.
A minimum of one "Health Center" should be located on each of the 21
atolls/islands
center
listed
should be
on
under
the
“health
manpower".
island within
the
The main
atoll
that
clinic-health
has
the
largest
population concentration, and be near to the either existing or proposed
airport (for medical evacuation of patients).
foresee getting the "lagoon boat service"
Where the atoll
does not
implemented (as planned by the
government), or, where the distance is too large and weather dangerous during
times of the year,
then an additional
“health center” may be warranted.
Where to place them should be decided in 5-7 years when the initial centers
are well
established.
In the meantime health assistants working out of
existing clinics should continue to function in these remote areas.
B.
Hospitals
1.
Physical plant
Majuro:
square
The Armer Ishoda Memorial Hospital is approximately 53,000
feet
in
area
with
88
beds.
Because
of
poor
maintenance
environmental problems, not all beds are available for use.
hold true for the facility itself.
climate conditions.
U.S.
standards.
and
The same would
The facility design is quite good for the
No attempt was made to compare or evaluate in terms of
As compared to other third world hospitals,
it should
probably receive a fair rating from a design and condition point of view.
Although
in
disrepair,
adequately support the
Marshall Islands.
level
the
facility
itself
could
be
upgraded
of care anticipated to be provided
to
in the
This appears not to be an option, however, as the ground
lease expires in two years and the owner is not willing to renew the lease.
There have been funds
recommended
that
consideration
the
given
($8,000,000)
new
in
hospital
the
environmental (climate) issue.
in meeting these concerns.
designed for a level
provided.
granted for
be
design
a
to
100
meet
a new hospital.
bed
hospital
cultural
with
needs
It
is
careful
and
the
A U.S. type hospital would not be effective
The hospital must not be over-designed but
of health care delivery consistent with that to be
An example of the type off issue that must be dealt with in the
design is the need for a larger than normal recovery and rehabilitation area.
This is due to the large referral area being served and the lack of following
care available away from the hospital.