II. Executive Summary
A.
Because of significant time limitations and an already existling 5-year
plan for the Marshall Islands (1981-86) developed by the Trusq
of the Pacific
Islands,
Territory
Loma Linda University concentratdd
more on
developing a health strategy proposal than a detailed hedlth plan.
Particular attention was paid to the issues involved in a national vs. 4
atoll health care system.
B.
The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands is currently phaBing down.
Many functions
previously covered
by that
office,
i.e.
flicensing,
planning, personnel, etc. wil] need to be assumed by the Marshal] Island
Government.
C.
Existing. health care financing in the Marshalls comes partl#
U.S. and partly from internal Marshallese sources.
from the
It is r commended
that additionalmonies available from P.L. 96-205 be combined viththese_
existing funds rather than components oof the health care syst m receive
monies from different unrelated budgetary sources.
D.
There are minimal
Marshalls.
radiation related heaith effects evide t in the
The primary need is for a basic health care syst m capable
The sys em should
of providing primary, secondary and tertiary care.
have an awareness of a radiation effects as an integra! and id
component of comprehensive care.
E.
The Government of the Marshall Islands is seeking to rapidly
air, ship and radio communication with the outer atolls.
R
attempt to develop a distribution referral and supervision
health ahead of outer sectors, at an exorbitant cost, it is r
that the health care system be built around these current ina equacies.
F.
One of the biggest detriments to basic health are, even on
ajuro and
Ebeye, is lack of adequate supplies and maintenance.
mperative
It is
that a strong support system be developed to meet this need.
G.
The
primarycarewill
be
built
on
medical
assistants
agd
health
Ne helen la
assistants on Majuro andEbeyeas well as the outer islan
Smal]
populations with minimal work loads are adequately covered] by these
workers,
with
consultation
from
the
hospital
physician
verbally via radio or by referral, for the more difficult cages.
either