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Asia Pacific
Paul Gauguin brings healthcare to remote French Polynesia
Paul Gauguin Cruises has partnered with the French Polynesian government to provide healthcare assistance in the region’s isolated islands.
The unique partnership aims to meet the health needs of people in remote areas in two ways:
It will offer volunteer consultations by the shipboard doctors of the m/s Paul Gauguin during port calls; and provide transportation free of charge aboard The Gauguin to health professionals.
The collaboration is a world first for the cruise industry.
The cruise line has deep roots there and has called French Polynesia home for 25 years.
The ‘Taote Gauguin’ (taote means doctor in Tahitian) partnership agreement was signed by Cédric Mercadal, French Polynesia’s Minister of Health in charge of Prevention and Generalised Social Protection, and Florence Courbière, for Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT.
“We welcome this public-private partnership to strengthen local care for the benefit of Polynesian families, particularly in remote archipelagos.” Mercadal said.
The testing phase of the collaboration, which included three shifts of medical consultations, took place during The Gauguin’s July 29 to August 12 voyage to understand the program’s logistics, and operational needs.
“It was a very successful effort marked by over 20 consultations, three of whom were sent on board for X-rays.” said Captain Michel Quioc.
“Fatu Hiva has no medical imaging facilities so two ultrasounds were also carried out. The team was delighted to be able to provide such important medical services.”
The program will feature 40 consultation shifts a year to citizens of the Marquesas, one of French Polynesia’s more remote regions.
The transport of medical specialists from Tahiti to these islands will double the medical presence with patients.
“Small ship cruising has always held a unique promise of forging connections with local communities and this partnership is at the heart of our mission,” says Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC.
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