Belau National Hospital receives bio-med tools from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Department blesses lives all over the world, including a hospital on the island of Palau.  The hospital has received many donations of needed equipment, but unfortunately if one of the medical devices breaks down, their technicians didn’t have the necessary tools to repair them.  The hospital administrator, Darnelle Worswick, reached out to the Church’s humanitarian department service center in Guam.  She worked closely with the humanitarian missionaries, Elder and Sister Jenkins and Bill Davis to request the needed tools.  After much researching, the right tools were found.  They were also able to purchase a rolling toolbox to store them in so the technicians could move them from place to place as needed.  The tools were presented to the technicians and hospital administrator on April 14, 2023. The two technicians smiled with excitement as they saw each tool laid out on the table.  This brought smiles to the missionaries that delivered them as well.  Darnelle gave the missionaries a tour of the hospital and showed them where the technicians would be working.  They had been working in a very small room but have recently been moved to a bigger one with a wing being built off the side for the larger equipment.  They were excited about the rolling toolbox and said that it would help them as they worked on the large equipment that is fixed in place.  Some of the tools are basic tools, but a few are specialty tools just for their equipment.  

Alben K. Adelbai, one of the Bio-Med Technicians, said: “…the tools are an amazing gift. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have been busy utilizing these tools ever since they found their new home in our office. They indeed have relieved a heavy burden on our work as we are as efficient as ever with the right tools for nearly every situation.” In the past, when their equipment would breakdown, it would cause a delay in the hospital services. They feel like this will no longer be an issue. Alben feels like they have already grown in confidence to tackle their daily challenges. He explained that he is making a “make-shift” power supply for their hyperbaric chamber. He is also repairing their suction unit due to a big plume of smoke that took place during one of its operations. He said: “Tools helped immensely in these services, and I am sure these will provide us with many years of services.”

The Belau National Hospital has received donations from the Church in the past as well. Last year, 124 wheelchairs were donated. The Belau Hospital is the only National hospital in Palau which serves all citizens on the island (18,092 people) by providing primary healthcare, emergency care, surgery, inpatient, pediatric and outpatient services.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes and lives by the first two great commandments: One, to love God with all our hearts and two, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through the efforts of the humanitarian services, God’s love is being shared around the world.