Vila Central Hospital (VCH) celebrated its 50-year anniversary with a panel discussion focused on “The Future of Personalized Medicine: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics & Rehabilitation.” The session, moderated by Leinau Obed, brought together senior medical professionals to discuss advancements, challenges, and the vision for the next decade of patient care.
Advances in Dialysis Services:
Senior Dialysis Nurse Paulin Karae highlighted the progress made in kidney care. “Previously, dialysis was not available in Vanuatu,” Karae explained. Today, VCH operates three dialysis machines serving nine patients. However, challenges remain, including high numbers of non-communicable disease (NCD) patients requiring treatment, limited trained staff, and inadequate training facilities.
To expand services, Karae emphasized the need for more machines, a larger facility, and a streamlined patient referral system. “We are negotiating to acquire over ten new machines and train more personnel to meet the growing demand,” he said.
Modernizing Radiology Services:
Mrs. Finau McKenzie, Officer-in-Charge of Medical Imaging, outlined the evolution of radiology services at VCH. From using portable X-ray machines in 1975 at the Iririki facility, the hospital now operates stationary bedside X-ray machines and has introduced advanced CR (computed radiography) and DR (digital radiography) systems that provide results within seconds.
McKenzie also highlighted the recent installation of a mammogram unit, set to open soon, and upcoming DR equipment. Yet, challenges persist, particularly human resource shortages. “We have many machines but only seven staff members, which limits our ability to specialize,” she explained. She called on students pursuing science careers to join VCH and emphasized the need for government support in training, operational budgets, and equipment maintenance.
Anesthesia and ICU Services:
Ms. Elanie Namuel, Anesthetic Scientific Officer, discussed improvements in anesthesia and critical care. VCH now has more advanced anesthesia machines, two qualified anesthetists, and additional ventilators donated by Japan. However, the ICU still lacks a dedicated specialist.
Namuel stressed that staff shortages and reliance on donor-supplied drugs remain major challenges. She urged government support for a master’s program in anesthesia at VCH, better equipment allocation, and plans to extend services to rural areas. “Our vision for the next ten years is a fully equipped and staffed anesthesia and ICU unit capable of providing safe and effective care,” she said.
Pathology and Laboratory Advances:
Mr. George Junior Pakoa, Manager of Dental & Applied Health Services, reflected on the transformation of the pathology lab. In 1995, results could take one to two months, but today advanced machines allow results within seconds. Pakoa cited the introduction of the Vidro 60 (1996), X21 (2009), and C311 (2014) machines as key milestones, noting that international test processing delays previously cost lives.
Challenges remain, including limited space for expansion, insufficient budgets, and human resource gaps. Pakoa called for collaboration with the private sector and government support to create a long-term master plan for VCH, including policies to ensure sustainable growth and innovation in healthcare.
Looking Ahead:
The panel emphasized that VCH’s 50-year milestone reflects decades of progress in patient care but highlighted ongoing challenges in staffing, infrastructure, and equipment. The experts collectively called for government investment in medical personnel, modern facilities, and operational budgets to continue advancing personalized medicine and patient-centered care across Vanuatu.
