Through this objective, we are introduced to healthcare professionals such as Patricia Miraneta Vaiaso, a Samoan medical laboratory scientist who has dedicated twenty years to her field. Despite her longstanding career, Miraneta remains committed to expanding her skillset.
Through the Scheme, Miraneta travelled to Wellington, New Zealand, where she underwent training with the Pacific Pathology Training Centre in Haemotology.
She speaks on the value of this training.
“The Haematology course focuses on both the theoretical and practical fields of blood cell morphology. It also covers the operation and maintenance of equipment including microscopes, and will be a great help in the practical side when examining cell morphology in both normal and disease state, so that I can be confident in performing blood film analysis and examinations.”
The six week program represents the broader effort in investing in the healthcare systems of Samoa and other Pacific countries through the ongoing investment in the training and development of healthcare professionals like Miraneta.
She shares how she intends to use her learnings for the benefit of her colleagues and the services back home.
“This is a great initiative because it is highly needed by our staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in medical laboratory science. The majority of our staff (as healthcare workers) have qualifications in general science, and medical laboratory is a totally new science to them. Short courses like these provide the opportunity to fast track them in the theoretical part of medical laboratory which will guide them to the practical side of the field.”
For over thirty years, the NZMTS has provided access to life saving medical treatment in the Pacific through funding provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). In December of 2022, the NZMTS contract was formally awarded to the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, which signified a new focus of this crucial work, in extending beyond just patient care, and also in seeking ways to strengthen local health systems to ensure long term sustainability.
Photo source: RNZ
