The Ministry of Health and Human Services officially launched the nation’s first laparoscopic surgery program at Majuro hospital during a blessing and launch ceremony held last week at the hospital’s operating theater.
The event marks a new chapter in the country’s healthcare development and surgical capability, according to Health authorities.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services hailed the new surgery gear, saying: “This laparoscopic service is more than a technological upgrade — it is a symbol of vision, determination, and national pride. Purchased by the Marshallese, for the Marshallese, it ensures that life-saving and minimally invasive procedures are now available locally, giving families confidence that essential surgical care can be accessed at home, close to their communities.”
The Taiwan Health Center explained the new equipment.
“The program, established through collaboration among MOHHS, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, brings minimally invasive surgery to the Marshall Islands for the first time. The introduction of laparoscopic technology enables patients to benefit from smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain — aligning local healthcare services with modern international standards.”
To support the launch, Shuang Ho Hospital donated an electrosurgical unit and a three-month supply of essential laparoscopic consumables. The hospital also emphasized sustainable capacity-building by providing technical and professional training for Marshallese medical personnel.
Training included a four-year laparoscopic residency for Dr. David Alfred, a one-month specialized nursing program for Nurse Saralyn Anni, and a three-month biomedical engineering course for Bioengineer Rilung Matsui at Shuang Ho Hospital in Taiwan. An online lecture on anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery was also conducted for Marshallese anesthesiologists and nurses.
During the same week as last week’s ceremony, Shuang Ho Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ming-Che Lee and his team guided Dr. Alfred in performing the first laparoscopic surgeries at Majuro hospital, marking a successful beginning for this newly established service.